Dunne hails Eriksson effect

Richard Dunne has praised Sven-Goran Eriksson for his influence since he arrived at Manchester City. Man City have catapulted to the top half of the season, and Dunne has compared him to his previous boss Stuart Pearce.

"It is the complete opposite in terms of training ideas and preparing for matches," Dunne told the Manchester Evening News.

"Stuart Pearce when he was in charge and Kevin Keegan before him were more about the passion and the intensity of the Premier League whereas Sven has brought a more experienced European view of things.

"His success is based on one thing only and that is keeping the ball. That is what all our training has been based around.

"Things have been very different from last season simply because of the way things have gone in terms of results. I think the start to the season has put the pride back into the supporters.

"Around the training ground everyone is happy going into work and that is the way the manager operates, he just wants everyone to relax and enjoy their work and themselves."