Shinawatra expects success
03 Aug 2007 - 09:45:43
New Manchester City manager Sven-Goran Eriksson has been warned by club owner Thaksin Shinawatra that he expects success within three years at Eastlands.
Eriksson has been able to bring in a number of new players to boost the Citizens squad, but Shinawatra expects to see a return for his investment in the not too distant future.
He told the Manchester Evening News: "This season, I feel we should be able to finish in the top ten. The second season we should be aiming for the top six and qualifying for Europe.
"I accept the first year is a learning curve, but we should start to be successful by the third. That is what I would expect.
"I am pleased with what Sven has done. He has set about reshaping the side and has handled both the existing players and the new ones very well. He has given everyone their chance.
"Sven has proved to be quite a draw when it comes to signing players. His name and reputation have proved to be valuable.
"There is more money to spend if he feels he needs it, but we will not be held to ransom by other clubs."
Former England coach Eriksson has brought in defenders Vedran Corluka and Javier Garrido, midfielders Elano, Gelson Fernandes and Geovanni and forwards Rolando Bianchi and Martin Petrov since succeeding Stuart Pearce in the City hot-seat.