Eriksson looks for positives
03 Mar 2008 - 11:18:27
Manchester City boss Sven-Goran Eriksson believes the return from injury of several players is reason to be cheerful despite his side's recent league slump.
City slipped further off the pace in the race for the final Champions League spot after being held to a goalless draw by Wigan Athletic on Saturday evening.
Eriksson's side have now won only one of their last six matches, but the Swede's mood had been lifted by the comebacks of midfielder Michael Johnson and striker Nery Castillo.
January transfer window signing Felipe Caicedo has also settled into life in the Premier League quicker than expected.
"It was good to see Michael playing 90 minutes and performing so well, and afterwards he reported no pain which is also good news," Eriksson told the club's official website.
"He surprised me a little bit because he looked so sharp after such a long time out.
"I also think Felipe Caicedo did well, you can see he is a good footballer, and Castillo is also doing better and better.
"So there were positive things but now it is up to us to lift our heads for Reading (next Saturday) and start scoring some goals."
On the possibility of European qualification, he added: "We are not showing the signs of giving up, but we need to keep positive and I want us to keep fighting until the last day.
"Different results for the teams around us could change everything as well."