Onuoha desperate for Sven stay

Defender sounds 100 per cent support for manager

By Peter Fraser   Last updated: 29th April 2008

Nedum Onuoha

Onuoha: Surprised by speculation

Eriksson has got support everywhere. You could ask the people of Manchester and around England and they would probably support him as well.

Nedum Onuoha
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Nedum Onuoha has become the latest Manchester City player to offer 100 per cent support to under-pressure manager Sven Goran Eriksson.

It is believed that Eriksson - who took up the City reins in July last year - is heading for the Eastlands exit in the summer after a disappointing second half to the season, despite steering the club to their highest Premier League points tally.

Eriksson met with City owner Thaksin Shinawatra at the weekend and it is believed he was told that he would be relieved of his duties at the end of the season.

However, City players Micah Richards and Michael Ball recently gave their backing to Eriksson and England Under 21 defender Onuoha has become the latest to sound his encouragement to the Swede.

"Definitely," Onuoha told Sky Sports News when asked if Eriksson enjoyed 100 per cent support in the City dressing room.

Surprise

"From where I am, he has done a very good job this year. So for something like this to come out, it has really caught me off guard.

"He has got support everywhere. You could ask the people of Manchester and around England and they would probably support him as well.

"I don't really understand what is going on, but hopefully in the next few days we'll have a clearer picture.

"Hopefully he won't go. But you just don't really know in football. We will have to keep an eye on it and see what happens.

"You can't really see it coming and then it is as if he has had his worst ever season."

Influence

Eriksson has also steered City to two victories over derby rivals Manchester United this term and Onuoha has praised the influence of the former England chief.

"We are a more attacking team than we have been in the past," added Onuoha. "No disrespect to previous managers. We used to attack, but I think our main foundations were the defence.

"Now we have a more attacking mentality. The fans enjoy watching us more. He has brought more positive things to the club.

"He has given everyone belief. Everyone that is in the team, he has always shown a lot of confidence in them. He will bring players into the team when he knows they can help them out.

"He has given me a lot of opportunities this season when the team has been playing well, so I have really appreciated it."