Eriksson plays down Portsmouth link

Sven-Goran Eriksson has again dismissed reports he is set to leave his post as Mexico coach in favour of a return to the Premier League with Portsmouth.

Eriksson has been a man under pressure in Mexico since his team’s 2-0 defeat to cross-border rivals the United States in a World Cup qualifier last month.

An unusually meek display from El Tri in that game led to reports that Eriksson might be on the way out, with Portsmouth apparently keen on acquiring the services of the 61-year-old former Manchester City and England boss.

Portsmouth have been without a full-time manager since they sacked Tony Adams on February 9, with current caretaker boss Paul Hart taking the reins on a game-by-game basis.

Eriksson, however, insists it remains his goal to lead Mexico to the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa.

“I have a running contract with Mexico to take them to South Africa,” he said in a press conference today.

“Do I like Portsmouth? I like coaching Mexico and I want to take them to the World Cup.

“I want to be on the bench when Mexico play in the World Cup. (The reports regarding Portsmouth) are just speculation.”

Eriksson is currently preparing his team for a friendly international against Bolivia in Commerce City, Colorado next Wednesday.

The Swede is due to name his squad for that match on Friday.