Eriksson wants crunch talks

Swede will still take side on Thailand tour

By Hayley Paterson   Last updated: 11th May 2008

Thaksin Shinawatra April 2008

Thaksin: Sven showdown

Related links

Teams

Also see

Sven Goran Eriksson has demanded showdown talks on his future at Manchester City after the club's last game of the season against Middlesbrough.

The City manager's position at the club has been less secure since Thaksin Shinawatra spoke about his disappointment at the side's slump in form towards the end of the league campaign - despite an encouraging debut season for the Swede.

With Portuguese coach Luiz Felipe Scolari strongly linked with the Eastlands club and Eriksson being given the green light to take over Benfica for his third spell, by caretaker boss Fernando Chalana, City's final game against Middlesbrough could be Eriksson's last.

On his showdown talks with Thaksin's right-hand man, Pairoj Piempongsant, Eriksson said: "I expect clear words, one way or another, as early as that. That's what I expect.

"It won't be face to face [with Shinawatra] but there are phones and I am sure that his right-hand man will come to Middlesbrough from what I have heard."

Speculation

Eriksson added: "All the speculation is because of results, yes. I don't think anyone has anything personal against me. I wouldn't think so.

"But it is very difficult for me to tell you exactly what the owner feels and thinks.

"The only time he talked about results was the time he said he wanted to finish in the top 10. That, I remember, in March. That was the last real meeting we had."

He met with Shinawatra after his side's recent defeat at home to Fulham, and revealed it was "not the best of meetings". However the club have confirmed his contract states he will lead the team on a Far East tour once the season has finished.

Optimistic

In what could be his final Premiership bow, the former England boss was optimistic about the trip to the Riverside.

"I am sure it will be a good, open game against Middlesbrough," noted Eriksson.

"They are safe and I feel they will want to show their fans what they can do.

"We go there with the same spirit and intent on getting a good result."

Post to your View!

Be the first to post a comment on this story

Add Comment*

All fields are required

Are you a Sky Sports subscriber?

Character Count : 0/1950

Please tick here if you wish to receive emails relating to Sky Sports.com or any other companies, services or products related to Sky Sports.com

Please send me the weekly Sky Sportszine - exclusive content, features and competitions to my inbox every Friday.

*All fields required, your email address will be kept private