National
Eriksson admits to possibility his City reign is over
SVEN-GORAN Eriksson has admitted
for the first time it is a
possibility'' he could leave Manchester
City.
The former England boss expects
his future to be clarified by
owner Thasksin Shinawatra
after the Barclays Premier
League final fixture at Middlesbrough.
However it is widely believed
this will be the Swede's last game
in charge, with Benfica waiting
in the wings.
On the prospect of leaving the
club, Eriksson said: It is a possibility,
of course it is.
It is not a secret to anyone in
the world of football. But we will
see, nothing is confirmed.
Let's play the last game and
have a little bit of patience. The
fact is we will probably know
next week.''
Former Thai Prime Minister
Thaksin is dismayed at the club's
apparent lack of progress.
Yet City could still make it in
Europe next season after all
through the Fair Play League.
UEFA yesterday confirmed
England as the winners and
Eriksson's side are now
favourites to progress after the
final round of games as the highest
placed team who have not already
qualified for Europe.
Eriksson could be heading for
Portugal by then and a third spell
at Benfica.
Club spokesman Ricardo Maia
said: More details about our future
coach will be announced
next week, when the Portuguese
and Premier league finish.
At the moment our coach vacancy
has been centred on Eriksson
and we will not reveal other
names.''
A UEFA Cup spot would be as
good as it gets for City at the moment,
according to Eriksson.
He believes the big four are out
of reach and said: In our case it
is not realistic we should qualify
for the Champions League.
We are good but not that good.
We do not have a squad up to the
standard of Liverpool, Arsenal,
Chelsea or Manchester United.
Everyone who knows a little
bit about football will agree to
that.
If you are being realistic I
think where we are is where we
deserve to be after one year.''
Eriksson scoffed at suggestions
he was disillusioned with
football because of the confusion
at City.
He said: Football is great and
life is great. The reason I accepted
this job was that this is a big
Premier League club.
I like the club, I like the players
we have, I like the project. But
that's it.''
City fans are to stage a march
tomorrow outside the City of
Manchester Stadium in support
of Eriksson. Supporters groups
are alarmed at the situation and
want Eriksson to stay.
9:05am Saturday 10th May 2008
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