Eriksson Finally Gets Man City Boot
Eriksson was finally relieved of his Manchester City managerial role today after months of speculation surrounding his future. He had two years left on his contract and is expected to receive a comfortable pay off. Although there has yet to be an official explanation from the Manchester City board, it is thought that the owner Thaksin Shinawatra was unhappy at the team’s performance at the turn of the new year. In November Manchester City lie 3rd in the Premiership and had back to back wins against arch rivals Manchester United.
Upon hearing the news of his imminent departure, Eriksson was quick to thank the team, board and supporters during his time at Eastland’s. The Man City supporters were always in favour of Eriksson’s running of the club and his professionalism throughout the season. After taking over from Stuart Pearce Man city had finished very low in the bottom half of the premiership table Eriksson made drastic players to the playing squad investing some 43 Million pounds in new players. Such is the status the Man city now posses, Ronaldinho have recently been speculated to have an interest in playing his trade at the Eastland’s club.
Eriksson’s future now remains uncertain. He has been linked with the Inter Milan and Mexico vacancy; however Jose Mourinho agreed earlier today to join the Italian giants. It now seems certain the Eriksson will manage Mexico, however with little prior knowledge about the team and players, many people within the football world are questioning whether this appointment will be beneficial to Mexico. There is also the Chelsea vacancy, however even with Eriksson’s knowledge of the premiership he is now seen as an outsider to the likes of Mancini and Didier Deschamps.
So who will be named the next Man City boss? Whatever the outcome, the new manager is likely to receive a hefty transfer budget. Thaksin Shinawatra is currently standing corruption charges in Thailand and his assets have been frozen. However he is likely to be cleared off all charges and hence will be able to free up a substantial amount for new players.
Mark Hughes is the current manager whose name is being tossed around the football world. Although a relatively poor win ratio of 43% at Blackburn, he has coached the team to two successive European campaigns and decent premiership standings. He is seen as an ideal replacement for Eriksson as he has knowledge of the premiership, is a young manager and has been coached as a player by Alex Ferguson.
Another manager to be linked to the current vacancy is Frank Rijkaard who has recently been released from his Barcelona post. Whatever the outcome, the new manager who is appointed will have a difficult task in fulfilling the aspirations of the ambitious owner.
Sven To Manage Mexico?
Recent reports in the football world have hinted that Sven-Goran Eriksson may be on his way to manage Mexico after it a likely release from his contract from Manchester City. Eriksson has had a successful career in football management, managing league clubs such as Benfica, AC Roma, AC Fiorentina, SL Benfica, U.C Sampdoria, S.S Lazio, the England national team and most recently Manchester City football club.
International management will not be a strange place for Eriksson, who led England to three quarter final’s in major tournaments as Manager. He was deeply respected by a host of the senior players, such as John Terry, David Beckham, Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney. The option to hire a foreign coach by international teams is one thing that has become more popular in recent times. Fabio Capello has recently been made manager of the England national team, and is thought to be someone who can bring a wide range to experience to the set up.
However, a number of Mexico players have expressed their concern at the seemingly imminent arrival of Sven-Goran Eriksson as manager. In Mexico, there is a strong public opinion towards the coach having to be from Mexico. Many of the Mexico players speak little or no English and there is a lot of doubt as to whether Eriksson has any prior knowledge of the Mexican league.
With other jobs now coming on the market, such as Chelsea and possibly Inter Milan, Sven Goran-Eriksson can still cling on to the hope of managing a top European club side once more. His record is impressive, but recent events have made him prove unpopular. A notable turning point was bringing the youngster Theo Walcott to the 2006 world cup, but not using him at any of the fixtures.
Eriksson’s future is likely to be the centre of media attention in the weeks to come. Chelsea would be the ideal move for him, but with managers such as Scolari, Deschamps and Mancini in the frame, he is likely to have a lot of competition on his hands. Thaksin Sinatwa, the Manchester City owner is set to make a decision regarding Eriksson’s future this weekend, so his future may still be to be decided a for a few weeks yet.