Noose tightens as proud Sven praises players

SVEN-GORAN ERIKSSON’S has declared his pride in the progress made at Manchester City as reports of his imminent sacking gather pace with Luiz Felipe Scolari touted for Eastlands.

Eriksson was given a remarkable show of support by City fans during the defeat to Liverpool on Sunday but then admitted he did not expect it to make a difference come the end of the season.

“I don’t know whether the players felt they had a point to prove to the owner or anyone else in the game at Liverpool but what I would say is that myself, the coaching staff and everyone who works at the Carrington training ground are a close unit and it has always been like that and I’m very proud of them and what we have achieved,” the City boss said.