Ivory Coast manager Sven Goran Eriksson has welcomed a possible move to Liverpool to replace the departed Rafael Benitez as the Anfield club’s new coach. The Swede spoke of his lifelong love for the club from his childhood days and claimed that it would be a “dream” to manage the club.
Benitez left Liverpool by mutual consent earlier this week and speculation has been rife since then over who will replace the Spaniard as the new man at the helm. Club legend Kenny Dalglish and managing director Christian Purslow have been tasked with finding the next manager but Eriksson has now thrown his name into the hat for consideration.
“I have been a Liverpool fan all of my life. I never mentioned it when I was in charge of England because I didn’t think it was fair,” Eriksson said to The Sun.
“My father was also a Liverpool supporter and every Saturday we would watch an English match on television. It was the highlight of the week.
“Liverpool matches were televised quite regularly and we would cheer them on. They have always been my team and nothing has changed.”
The former England manager’s well worded statements would certainly help to endear him to the Kop should he be approached and given the job. Eriksson had previously managed Manchester City in the Premier League where he had a decent record before being removed after the departure of previous owner Thaksin Shinawatra.
The Swede also revealed his connections with Liverpool when he was once invited by former manager Joe Fagan for a visit to the legendary Anfield boot room that left an indelible mark on him for the rest of his career.
“I was shocked when I discovered Rafael Benitez had left,” Eriksson continued.
“Would I want to be the manager of Liverpool? It is every manager’s dream to manage Liverpool.”
“When I was starting out in coaching I was invited to Liverpool to see how they did things. Joe Fagan was the manager at the time.
“I remember him showing me around Anfield and taking me into their legendary boot room.
“It was such a privilege and an honour for me to be invited in there. I will never forget that moment.
“Liverpool will always hold a special place in my heart.”
If Liverpool are to consider Eriksson for the job, they may have to request the Swede to lower his usual salary demands. The former Mexico national coach is known to command some of the highest salaries as a manager in the sport but the Anfield giants face severe financial restrictions under the ownership of American co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett.
Tags: English Premier League, football managers, Liverpool, Sven Goran Eriksson
