Sven-Goran Eriksson has revealed that it was not his his decision to stand down as England coach, indicating he had been asked to resign by the Foootball Association.
Eriksson if there was any way he could change his mind about leaving the England job after the 2006 World Cup.
“I could possibly change my mind?” Eriksson asked with visible surprise.
“I haven’t taken any decisions. I just listened to what people told me to do.
“So it doesn’t depend on me.”
Eriksson’s contract was due to expire in 20-08, but he announced last month that he would be leaving his position after this summer’s World Cup, regardless of how well England do at the finals.
“Everyone knows what’s going to happen from now until August 1. From then on, I don’t know what’s going to happen with myself. But that’s not a problem at all,” he said.
“I feel I have the support of the players and think I always have had. It’s a great feeling of respect between me, my coaching staff and the players. There always has been, it’s a fantastic group of players.
“But I feel I have support from the FA as well, I must say — if it’s strange or not I don’t know.
“When I’m not travelling to watch football, I’m in the office in London and nothing has changed there from what I can see or feel.”
England captain David Beckham confirmed that the players still backed Eriksson.
“We will support the manager until he leaves at the end of the tournament. That’s clear for the players,” said Beckham.
“It was a difficult situation and whether you agree with it or not, it’s happened and we have to move on,” said Beckham.
“The players don’t hold anything against him. They’re fully supportive, fully behind him as a manager and as a person.”
Subscribe to World Soccer – The essential football magazine
