Manchester City Football Club

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

• Ground:City of Manchester Stadium
• Capacity:47805

Sven backing for Allardyce

03 Jan 2008 - 09:52:09

Click To Enlarge

Sven-Goran Eriksson has urged the Newcastle United board to be patient with under-fire manager Sam Allardyce.

Eriksson's in-form Manchester City became the third successive team to defeat the Magpies following a 2-0 victory at St James' Park on Wednesday evening.

But the former England boss believes Allardyce should be given more time despite leading his side to just one point from a possible 12 over the Christmas period.

"The longer you are in this job, you know sooner or later, it will happen," he said referring to being sacked.

"It has happened to me many times in my career, and that's football.

"You cannot expect to always play good football and win. Sometimes there are hard times and it can be for weeks, it can be for months.

"But Sam Allardyce is a very good manager - you saw that in the past with Bolton.

"Give him time and he will sort it out, I am sure."

Speaking about the win which moved the Citizens above Liverpool into fourth place in the table, he added: "Liverpool have a game yet to play but it's better, especially as we have played a lot of games lately.

"Three draws and a win from the last couple of weeks is very good.

"We did very well tonight, our defending was good and we were always a threat at counter-attacks.

"Our two goals were beautiful goals, so I'm very happy."