Sven Goran Eriksson, who exchanged courtesies with his chairman Thaksin
Shinawatra in Thailand yesterday, appears to have distanced himself from
rumours that he may join Barcelona – with another club believed to be in the
wings. Eriksson has still been given no precise date for the meeting with
Thaksin which might dictate his future though it seems likely to take place
at the weekend.
Eriksson has confirmed he has been approached by the Mexican FA but he is
not thought to be ready to take up their job offer. The Swede attended a
carefully-choreographed press conference at a Bangkok shopping mall and
spoke only to thank the Thai public and sponsors for welcoming City on the
first leg of the post-season tour to Asia. Eriksson posed for photos with
Thaksin's son and daughter, Khun Panthongthae and Khun Pinthongta, who are
directors of City, but did not field questions.
Dietmar Hamann, Kasper Schmeichel and Ben Mee, the captain of the club's FA
Youth Cup-winning team, were also present but only exchanged pleasantries
with organisers about Saturday's match with Thailand Premier All-Stars.
"The manager asked during this time of great forensic analysis of the
football club for the players not to be doing interviews," City's director
of communications Paul Tyrrell said. Following Saturday's match in Bangkok,
City will travel to the nearby resort of Pattaya before moving on to Hong
Kong.
Hi: 16°C / Lw: 11°C
Revealed: Ulster's most dangerous roads
Deputy First Minister in Baghdad for peace mission
Thomas Beattie gives birth to healthy baby girl
Iran warns: attack us and we'll strike you back
Swimsuit photo shoot in buildup to Vietnam final
Federer and Nadal set for Centre court final
Mandela honoured with the class of 2008
Supporters that made Euro 2008 one to remember
Fashion of the wives throughout the tournament
Pop princess Minogue wows fans at Odyssey gig
Try your luck in our GAA 'pick the score' competition
Looking forward to the famous biking event
Ship's Belfast beginnings celebrated in exhibition
Applauding Ulster's most exceptional women
Special report on Northern Ireland's worst house fire
Celebrating excellence at the inaugural awards gala 
Special multimedia report on Belfast Wheel