The Football Association have dismissed reports linking national coach Sven Goran Eriksson with the vacant manager’s position at Barcelona.
Last week, Barcelona appointed Radomir Antic as their caretaker coach followingthe departure of Louis van Gaal, but the Yugoslav is expected to leave in the summer.
Barcelona general manager Javier Perez Farguell told the Daily Express: ‘We’re very happy with our appointment of Raddy Antic, but we would always listen to a coach like Sven-Goran Eriksson, with his reputation, experience and CV.’
According to FA joint acting chief executive David Davies, the fact that a coach of Eriksson’s calibre is linked to such a job, is to be expected.
‘I amnot surprised Sven is being linked with a top club,’ said Davies.
‘I would be surprised if he wasn’t linked with every top club who wanted a manager. Anyone would be misguided not to want him because he is a top manager.
‘Sven has always made it clear he wants to be part of achieving our ambitions. I am not aware anything has changed. If anything he is more committed now than he has ever been.’
Meanwhile, Antic was quick to praise Eriksson’s coaching record.
‘Eriksson is one of the best coaches in Europe and he has been a success at every club he has managed,’ he said.
‘But I will be working very hard with the players to bring success to Barcelona.’
