Sven confident of Euro place

Top six remains the target for City boss

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 29th February 2008

sven eriksson

Eriksson: Still in contention

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Sven Goran Eriksson believes that Manchester City are still capable of claiming a European spot.

The Swede has seen his side win just two of their last seven games in the Premier League and are now three points off the pace in the battle for a top-six finish.

They only have 11 games in which to push themselves back into the reckoning, but their manager remains quietly confident of accumulating enough points to ensure they will be celebrating come the end of the season.

Fight

"We are ready to fight again," he said.

"We are a good team and in excellent physical shape.

"There are 33 points left to play for and we will win more games than we lose.

"If you look at our last three matches the only time I was disappointed was the first 30 minutes in the (3-1) defeat by Arsenal.

"We were better than Everton (2-0 defeat on Monday) in lots of ways but they were difficult to penetrate and we gave away two easy goals.

"Maybe we have slipped a bit at home but on the other hand we beat Manchester United (at Old Trafford)."

Expectations

City welcome struggling Wigan to the City of Manchester Stadium on Saturday and Eriksson may decide to call upon the services of January signings Nery Castillo and Felipe Caicedo.

Castillo has just returned from injury, while former Basel striker Caicedo is intent on backing up the plaudits which have branded him the next Didier Drogba.

"I appreciate those comments as Drogba is a great player," said the Ecuador international.

"I know that expectations are high for me but that is okay. I am just happy to be at City. It is a privilege.

"My main task is to train hard as the Swiss league is not as competitive as the Premier League.

"The football is of a high level. It is a fast-paced game. Maybe I will get a start soon but that is up to the coach."