You, Sir, Are Up For Review!

By: chris | May 8th, 2008

Normally those words aren’t a positive sign. Not for Sven-Goran Eriksson, who must’ve interpreted this as music to his slightly overgrown ears. Or maybe it’s complete bollocks. April ended with rumors that Thaksin Shinawatra would be releasing Sven from his duties as Manchester City gaffer this summer, probably due to the club plateauing after its shit-hot start to the season. Well he hasn’t been sacked, according to Chair Thakky, which is probably good news. Svennis is, however, up for review.

Regardless of how you feel about the man – like, say, if you despise his soul (me; who coaches Lazio and Roma…honestly?) – his sacking didn’t/doesn’t make a ton of sense. We’ve heard over the last couple days of the impenetrable forcefield around the Big Four, and it’s true to a degree. Working your way into the Cool Kids Club isn’t an overnight process and, no matter how hard you try, it simply can’t be bought. Basically because they have just as much money as you.

Then there are the (denied) rumors that Luis Felipe Scolari has been offered the gig and Svennis is holding supersecret talks with Benfica.

Whatever happens, Sven will be leading City’s tour of Asia. Can’t imagine he’s looking forward to that anticipating his next step, or last step, in Manchester.

Thaksin’s words:

“We have made no decision,” the former Prime Minister of Thailand told BBC Sport. “We will do an evaluation at the end of the season.”

“They all – Sven, Scolari, Mourinho – they are great coaches, great managers.

“During the season, we may complain for improvement but that’s normal for every club.

“But we will discuss at the end of the season what needs to be changed, what needs to be added to the success of the club.”

Or he could be lying. He of great integrity.

So, if we’re taking Thakky at his word, this is at least a smart step. Of course if, say, Jose Mourinho were to take the big, fat paycheck, there’s little Sven, or the fans, can do, probably.