Sven sidesteps questions

City wilt in Bangkok heat after early Caicedo goal

Last updated: 17th May 2008

sven goran eriksson manchester city in thailand

Eriksson: Under review

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Sven-Goran Eriksson avoided questions over his future after Manchester City's friendly defeat in Thailand.

A makeshift City side went down 3-1 to Thailand Premier All-Stars in front of 25,000 at Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok.

Felipe Caicedo put the visitors ahead early on, but the All-Stars responded with three goals as City wilted in the intense heat.

Afterwards Eriksson was quizzed about his relationship with owner Thaksin Shinawatra but smiled and replied: "Good."

City would not confirm whether Eriksson and Thaksin had held discussions in Bangkok, with the Swede widely reported to be leaving the club at the end of the tour.

Bojinov return

Eriksson's line-up included FA Youth Cup-winning captain Ben Mee and Bulgarian striker Valeri Bojinov, making his first appearance since suffering a serious knee injury in the 1-0 win over Manchester United last August.

City also brought on their three Thai players - Suree Sukka, Teerasil Dangda and Kiatprawut Saiwaew - for the final half hour.

"We should have won the game," Eriksson said. "It was a good game, lots of occasions to score."

The former England manager could yet earn a reprieve after the Blues were awarded a UEFA Cup place via the Fair Play system.

"The news about the UEFA Cup was extremely good news for the club," he said. "I think it's a dream for the fans, the players and for the club.

"For the club to attract new players it's easier when we're playing in Europe, obviously."

But the 60-year-old declined to elaborate further or say if the European berth has allowed him to reassess his transfer targets.

"There is a lot of time to talk about that," he added. "There is a lot of time until next year."