Beckham backing Sven for Bernabeu post

David Beckham believes England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson is the “obvious choice” to take over at Real Madrid after this summer’s World Cup.

The Swede is one of seven potential Real managers named on a shortlist by Bernabeu president Fernando Martin and is 2/1 favourite to get the job, according to Ladbrokes.

And if Eriksson wants a character reference to put before the Real board, he need look no further than Beckham to provide one.

The 30-year-old Madrid midfielder said: “Sven is one of the best managers around and his name was bound to come into the equation. I think he would work well.

“I don’t know who it will be as it’s not my decision. Sven is the obvious one because he will be out of a job. He will be free and available so we will see.

“I don’t think he would have a problem with any place he went to. I think he is an experienced manager and can handle it.

“He has been the English manager for five years and has handled the pressures there so I’m sure he can handle it wherever he manages.

“One of his biggest qualities is his man-management – the way he treats the players and what he gets out of the players. He gives the players a lot of respect,” quotes The Sun.

Jose Mourinho, Arsene Wenger, Rafael Benitez, Fabio Capello, Carlos Ancelotti and Marcelo Lippi were also put forward as possible candidates by Martin.