Vassell backs Eriksson

Beleaguered City boss boosted by player support

Last updated: 16th May 2008

sven goran eriksson manchester city

Eriksson: Retains faith of players

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Darius Vassell believes Sven Goran Eriksson is the right man to lead Manchester City into a bright future, amid widespread speculation the Swede will lose his job in the next few days.

City's poor second half of the season did not sit well with owner Thaksin Shinawatra, who is now conducting a performance review that places Eriksson's role in serious danger.

The majority of City supporters seem to be in favour of retaining Eriksson's services, aware that a ninth-placed finish is a marked improvement on previous campaigns.

Vassell, who has previously worked with Eriksson while on England duty, is unhappy that his manager is being put under undue pressure.

"It has been good," said Vassell.

"When he was coming here I was always hoping that he would've been the choice - I was happy.

Sven praised

"It was difficult for me at the start of the season but I managed to get in around Christmas and got myself involved with the squad and I enjoyed it."

Shinawatra's decision to bring Eriksson's future into question has not been well received by City supporters and if reports in a number of Friday's papers are to be believed, it is not just the manager he is thinking of replacing.

The Daily Express has claimed that the whole of City's squad has been made available for transfer, with Shinawatra ready to embark on a massive clear-out.

Richard Dunne has been linked with both West Ham and Newcastle, while Micah Richards, Joe Hart and Michael Johnson are all admired by some of the Premier League's biggest clubs.