PL: Is Any Manager Safe?

One man has transformed last season's relegation battlers into a top ten side. He has also brought attacking football to a team that scored only ten home goals last season. He has brought in an array of talent, and given the side's supporters something to cheer about at long last. And it looks as though he's going to be sacked.


Sven-Goran Eriksson has done a great job at Manchester City. There cannot be any argument with that statement. Yes, they have dipped in the second half of the season, but they were never going to qualify for the Champions League. Like all managers in their first season, Sven is still learning about his squad and his new signings are still settling into England. He's made some good signings (Elano, Petrov), a few that haven't worked out (Bianchi) but all in all, he's been a success at the City of Manchester Stadium. The fans want him to stay, but that won't be enough. So why on earth is he getting the sack?!?!?


Only Thaksin Shinawatra can answer that. 'Big Phil' Scolari is being lined up as a replacement, a man who has never managed in English football. He will need time, and won't achieve anything more than Sven did this season. It's madness to think Eriksson, a man with a proven track record in domestic leagues, isn't good enough to take Manchester City forward. Stability is an over-used word, but it's what football clubs need in order to progress in the long-term. Look at Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger, and where their clubs were when they took over. Look at their clubs now. Stability is key.

Shinawatra (or Frank as he's known to the City fans) should take a leaf out of Randy Lerner's book. He's kept out of the spotlight, allowing Martin O'Neill to get on with things at Villa. They finished 11th in O'Neill's first season, now they are fighting for European places and improving all the time. There's no reason why Sven can't do the same. Unfortunately, he won't get the chance.