Shocked Sven accuses stars of ‘giving up’ at Chelsea

MANCHESTER CITY boss Sven-Goran Eriksson has accused his players of “giving up” during Saturday’s mauling at Chelsea.

The six-goal rout at Stamford Bridge was City’s biggest loss since 1995 and the worst of Eriksson’s entire managerial career.

Although he insisted his view of the Blues squad has not changed, the Swede did see some aspects of his team’s performance he did not like, not least the fact they effectively threw in the towel once defeat was inevitable.

“It seemed like we gave up, which is very bad,” observed Eriksson.

“The goals we conceded got easier and easier.

“It is very difficult to explain what happened at the weekend. It was a collective collapse, truly awful.’’

But, while Eriksson hopes the reaction in tonight’s Carling Cup fourth round tie with Bolton at the Reebok Stadium will be positive, the City chief admits he cannot be certain.

“I am glad we have another game so quickly but I am curious to see what happens,” he said.

“I am confident because, while, probably, we will lose some more games in the future, I don’t think they will be like that.”

There may be an unexpected spin-off for some of City’s senior stars from the weekend debacle considering Eriksson is now revising his team selection for tomorrow night’s encounter.

After making wholesale changes for victories over Bristol City and Norwich earlier in the competition, Eriksson had been expected to employ the same philosophy against the Trotters, even though a quarter-final place is at stake.

However, while it seems unlikely playmaker Elano and veteran midfielder Dietmar Hamann will be involved, Eriksson is now giving his side some thought.

“We have not decided the team yet but I am tempted to give all those who were out there at Stamford Bridge the change to avenge what happened,” said Eriksson.

Meanwhile Bolton boss Gary Megson has no interest in trying to win any popularity contests at the Reebok Stadium.

Although Megson insists his squad are “together” in their quest for Premier League survival and the overwhelming majority of Bolton fans who have approached him since his shock arrival as Sammy Lee’s successor were positive, a pall of negativity continues to surround him.

Yet the new manager remains remarkably upbeat.

“I am not here for a popularity contest, I am here to improve the fortunes of this football club,” he said.

“It is not for me to dictate to people, they will react to results like everyone else. But some stuff the players are reading is so far wide of the mark it’s laughable.’’

Megson suffered a blow when Nicolas Anelka was ruled out of tonight’s clash.