Sun Jihai bides his time

Sun-Jihai has said that he is willing to wait for his chance under new boss Sven-Goran Eriksson. The Chinese international has only played two Carling Cup games this year, but is happy to remain patient and hopes his chance will come.

"The team that has been playing has been winning and playing great football so there is no case to be made for Sven to change it," Sun, the first Chinese player in the Premier League, told the club website.

"Those who are not in the side just have to be patient and ready to perform when they are called upon."

Sun, who joined City in February 2002, said former England coach Eriksson had proven to be a excellent man-manager and was well-liked at the club, which is owned by former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

"Sven is very good at keeping players happy and he instils a loyalty in them. The great thing about him is that he respects everybody at the club," he said.

"He treats the staff at the training centre -- those who wash the kit and make the tea -- just like he treats all the players. There are no favourites.

"He has created a team that is good to watch and that is together off the pitch. Sven also has a great eye for the small details that can make a team improve and be one step ahead of the opposition."