Eriksson moves to quell Chelsea speculation
Eriksson has won titles in three countries
Monday, 24, Sep 2007 10:27
Manchester City boss Sven-Goran Eriksson has denied that he is in the running to become the long-term successor to Jose Mourinho at Chelsea.
The Swede was in the crowd for the Blues' 2-0 defeat away to Manchester United sparking speculation that he may be a guest of Stamford Bridge supremo Roman Abramovich.
But Eriksson insists that his proximity to the Russian billionaire in a VIP section of the Old Trafford stands was purely coincidental.
"If I have a free Sunday afternoon and it's Manchester United v Chelsea, it should almost be criminal in my job not to go and see that match. Of course I wanted to see it," the former England coach said.
"Most football people in the world wanted to see that game. It has nothing to do with Abramovich or Chelsea."
Despite Chelsea's insistence that former director of football Avram Grant's promotion to manager is permanent, there is strong speculation that the Israeli is a stop-gap solution while Abramovich lines up a high-profile name to spearhead his drive for more attractive football.
Eriksson was linked to the manager jobs at both Manchester United and Chelsea during his time in charge of the England side.
Sir Alex Ferguson claimed that Eriksson had "shaken hands" on a proposal to take over the Red Devils before the Scot reversed his decision to retire in 2002.
Eriksson also upset the Football Association by holding secret meetings with Abramovich on board his yacht and at his London home and the pair are believed to remain close.
Holland manager Marco van Basten, a close friend of Chelsea sporting director Frank Arnesen, was also in attendance for Grant's losing start and is another name linked with a possible new year move to west London.