Sven praises Thaksin

Sven-Goran Eriksson has praised Man City's Thai owner Thaksin Shinawatra for the financial backing and effort the former president has put in to the Citizens since purchasing the club during the summer. Man City are currently sitting comfortably in 8th spot, chasing European football.

Shinawatra was taken into custody yesterday after arriving back in Asia and returned to his homeland Thailand.

But Eriksson has nothing but praise for his chairman.

Eriksson said: "Thaksin has already given us what he promised in (transfer funds) in July, August and January.

"His support and his involvement with Thailand, I do not think has anything to do with the club.

"Every time I meet him and the people working for him, it is the same. They want City to be bigger and better.

"He wants to create one of the biggest clubs in the world - and I hope that happens, of course.

"To do that we need many things. But one thing which is very important is to play in Europe next season, either in the Champions League or UEFA Cup.

"We have a new team and need to give them experience at that level. It would be good for our future."