The game between IFK Göteborg and IFK Norrköping at Gamla Ullevi offered standing ovations and fine tributes to Sven-Göran Eriksson. Severely ill “Svennis”, who led IFK Göteborg to victory in the UEFA Cup in 1982, was noticeably moved by the attention.
“Absolutely fantastic”, said Eriksson in the discovery+ broadcast.
The tributes to Sven-Göran Eriksson took place before the start of the match. Eriksson marched onto the inner field at Gamla Ullevi accompanied by one of his former players at IFK Göteborg, Stig Fredriksson. IFK Göteborg’s supporters displayed a magnificent tifo in blue and white colors with “Svennis” at the center, and the audience gave standing ovations to their former coach, who broke into a radiant smile.
Eriksson coached Degerfors IF from 1977-1978 before taking over IFK Göteborg from 1979-1982. His time in Gothenburg culminated in victory in the UEFA Cup with a final win against Hamburger SV. Between 1982-2017, Svennis coached various teams including Benfica, AS Roma, Fiorentina, Sampdoria, Lazio, and Manchester City, as well as serving as head coach for the English national team, the Mexican national team, and the Ivory Coast national team.
In addition to the tributes in Gothenburg, Svennis has also been honored in connection with matches involving his former team Benfica, as well as in Liverpool.
