Sven praises Hamann form
06 Dec 2007 - 11:58:24
Manchester City boss Sven-Goran Eriksson has revealed that he is likely to hand a new contract to veteran German midfielder Dietmar Hamann.
The 34-year-old has been a key figure in the Citizens' superb start to the season, with Eriksson admitting that Hamann brings a calming influence to some of his side's younger players.
He told the Manchester Evening News: "Unfortunately we will be missing Didi on Sunday and it will be an interesting test to see what we can do without him.
"He has been a big brother or father of the team so far. A lot of play goes through him.
"He organises everything out there. I have been positively surprised how he has kept playing well all season. He is very important to us and has run up and down the pitch too, winning a lot of possession.
"I suppose his agent will soon knock on the door with regards to next season and I will always open it. We will see what happens but if he goes on like he has been then he is important to us.
"He is a great calming influence. Didi is a maestro in his position."
Meanwhile, Eriksson is waiting on the results of a second scan of the hamstring injury sustained by playmaker Elano in the 2-1 win over Reading two weeks ago.
The Swede added: "We are having to wait another two or three days, we will have to see on that one.
"He has a problem with his hamstring. He has already had a scan, but we know he will have to have another one, then we'll take a decision from there."
