Manchester City Football Club

• Nickname:Sky Blues
• Founded:1887
• Manager:Roberto Mancini

• Ground:City of Manchester Stadium
• Capacity:47805

Eriksson challenge for Elano

30 Jan 2008 - 10:29:35

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Manchester City manager Sven-Goran Eriksson has challenged Elano to toughen up after his recent dip in form.

The Brazilian playmaker scored seven times in his first 17 appearances following an £8million summer move from Shakhtar Donetsk.

However, in recent weeks the midfielder has become a peripheral figure and was substituted at half-time during last weekend's 2-1 FA Cup fourth round defeat by Sheffield United.

"Elano was very frustrated and I have spoken to him privately about it," revealed Eriksson.

"That is the price you pay for being a good player in a team that wants to play football. You just have to stand up and handle it, that's what you do."

Meanwhile, Eriksson has revealed that Nashat Akram's move to Eastlands has collapsed after the Iraq midfielder was denied a work permit.

"I have huge sympathy for Nashat," said Eriksson. "He's a very good footballer with an excellent international pedigree.

"Nashat has now returned to the Middle East and we'll keep in touch."