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Eriksson 'unlikely to be City manager next season'

29/04/2008

Sven-Goran Eriksson's agent Athole Still has said he does not expect the Manchester City manager to be at the club by the start of next season.

The future of the former England boss has been the subject of press speculation for the last week, with this morning's national newspapers speculating Eriksson would leave.

And despite initial reports from the club seeming to deny these rumours, Still has given an interview in which he claims Eriksson will not quit the club but may be forced out by owner Thaksin Shinawatra.

Still told Sky Sports that "it's looking odds against" Eriksson being in charge at Eastlands this summer, despite the side currently occupying a respectable ninth position in the Premier League standings.

The agent confirmed talks had been held between Shinawatra and Eriksson on Sunday over the future of the team and speculated that a lack of public support for the Swede could be significant.

"If Dr Shinawatra was going to give Sven a message of support I think we would have heard it. It's not looking good," Still continued.

"Clearly there has not been the best of discussions between [Sven] and Dr Shinawatra.

"The only thing I can say with assurance is that Sven-Goran Eriksson will not be walking. I know they revere him in Manchester, from top to bottom.

"You walk if you feel that you have not done a good job and that you're not worthy of the position. In Sven's case that is very, very far from the true situation."

Despite the rumours being reported throughout the national press, Manchester City yesterday released a brief statement saying Eriksson is continuing his work at the club as normal and has confirmed "he has no plans to leave the club".