Sven backed to turn City around

SVEN-GORAN ERIKSSON has been backed to turn Manchester City around, should he take over as manager.

While his record as England boss brought him widespread criticism, he remains revered in his native Sweden – mainly because of his record at clubs throughout Europe.

Stefan Lundin, chairman of the Association of Swedish Football Coaches, is convinced Eriksson will bring City the success they crave.

Lundin said: “He is a very good coach, a very good trainer, both on the training field and during games. If you meet him and Tord Grip they always start talking about 4-4-2 or 4-4-3. That’s the main thing they like to discuss.

“They love talking about football and tactics, nothing else. I am happy for Eriksson’s sake; he seems to have a team once again and we wish him all the best. This is a good club with a promising side. I hope he gets success.”

Eriksson has not coached a club side for seven years after leaving Italy and Lazio to join England.

He first came into the spotlight with IFK Gothenburg then had spells with Benfica, Roma, Fiorentina, Benfica again, Sampdoria and then Lazio.

Lundin believes the 59-year-old has missed the constant involvement with players. “I do think it has been hard for him not being on the training field,” said Lundin.

“I suspect he missed the day-to-day working with players even when he was national coach. Now he has a chance to work in the Premier League and I do not think you can ask for more if you are a coach.”

“Perhaps he just wants to have a club again. He just wants to start working again. You have to remember he has been coaching teams for a very long time.”

It is understood Eriksson has started to identify his transfer targets – there will be a £50m kitty – even though he is yet to sign a three-year contract.