It all started so well for Sven-Goran Eriksson's return to the English media spotlight. The press would've been just waiting for a reason to jump on the the former England manager when he took over as Manchester City manager at the start of this season.
However, he didn't give them a reason. A superb start to the season, which had some fans dreaming of a Champion's League spot was exactly what Sven would've wanted.
The great early form, especially the early win against their City rivals Man Utd, had many fans dreaming of City finishing above United. It caused billboards to be put up around Manchester exclaiming 'Ol' Blue Eyes is Back!'
So why, after all this, plus another win over United, has Thaksin Shinawatra reportedly decided to get rid of him at the end of the season?
True, the second half of the season has been nowhere near the quality of the first. But if it were they would be challenging for Champions League places. And if that's what Shinawatra expected from the first season, he was always going to be disappointed.
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You also have to remember that the likes of Micah Richards have been injured during the latter stages of this season.
This doesn't just affect the strong partnership he has formed with Richard Dunne, but the whole team. If you know you're not as strong defensively as before, you're going to be more cautious going forward.
It has also caused Eriksson to play players out of position on more than one occasion. For example, recently they had Corluka, a right back, in centre back, and Elano, a right midfielder and also one of their best players in the first half of the season, in right back.
This means the front men don't get the same quality of service. And speaking of the front men, the two strikers who looked so promising early on, Bojinov and Bianchi, didn't have the type of effect that many hoped they would.
This was down to an injury for Bojinov, another piece of bad luck, and below par performances from Bianchi, who looks set to become another Samaras.
Still, they have achieved at least a 9th place finish this season, with as high as 6th still being a possibility.
And, considering last season they were battling relegation and were one of the most boring teams to watch, I would view this season as a major success for a team that consists mostly of players making their debut seasons in the Premier League, with a manager and owner who are doing the same as well.
Keep Sven in and they'll be challenging for Europe at this time next year.
Still, Shinawatra doesn't seem to think it was a very good year.
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8 months ago
Good piece Barney. Shinawatra is way out of order.
8 months ago
Very good piece here sir! The arguement is strong and is supported by relavant facts! If Man city had had the same results this season and end up in the same position, yet the results were mixed up rather than all the wins at the beginning, i believe that Erikksons position wouldnt be under pressure!
8 months ago
Great Read Barney...Thaksin just doesnt have enough knowledge of the game.
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