Eriksson: Winter break will happen

Manchester City manager Sven-Goran Eriksson believes the Premier League is ready to embrace a winter break.

Eriksson remains adamant that a short shutdown is necessary after the third round of the FA Cup in January.

“It would be good for the national team when they go to big tournaments and good for clubs in Europe,” the former England boss told Radio Five Live.

“I have been fighting for this for many years. There is too much football and not enough breaks.

“We are the only country in Europe without a mid-season break. After the FA Cup in January we should have one.

“It is important to give players one week off and one week to prepare for the next game.

“You have time to heal small injuries when you have one week off and can recover much better.

“If you take one week off every one will benefit. I think it will happen.”

Eriksson insists the team’s confidence has been restored ahead of the home match against Sunderland on Monday.

A penalty winner from Elano secured a Carling Cup victory against Bolton in midweek and helped erase the memory of a mauling by Chelsea.

Eriksson said: “It has been a difficult week for all of us. When you leave Stamford Bridge you do not feel very well.

“Physically you are okay but mentally you are not. Nobody expected that result.

“But it was good we had the Bolton game so soon afterwards and our confidence is back after that victory.

“Mentally I am sure we will not have any problems when we face Sunderland.”

Micah Richards is almost certainly an absentee because of a bruised knee.

However the England defender is likely to return the following Sunday at Portsmouth as the injury is not serious.

That would put him on course to feature in the vital Euro 2008 qualifier against Croatia.

Eriksson said: “Richards will probably not play on Monday but hopefully the match afterwards.

“It is not a ligament problem and that is very good news of course.

“It is a relief for him, for us and for England.”

Bulgaria winger Martin Petrov could also return to the team after a toe injury.