Not all Peaches and Pad Thai for Sven
Manchester City owner–and noted human rights enthusiast–Thaksin Shinawatra is “not happy” about the club’s second half dip and will “evaluate” Sven-Goran Eriksson’s performance at the end of the season.
After some torrid foreplay in the transfer window and a furious flourish at the beginning of the season that saw them win seven of ten, the club has sputtered to a stalemate, winning just four matches since Dec. 15. Though, to be fair, one was a Derby at Old Trafford.
Even with the decline, however, they still will finish in the top half of the table, a significant step up from last season.
Sven is the ultimate hedge-fund manager. He’s adept at purchasing smartly for short-term gains, with other people’s money. With the right investment, he can take a bad club (a gutted 2006-7 Man City) and turn them into a Europe candidate (2007-8 Man City). But, at a copious cost, the business model is not sustainable. He’s wonderful for a while, but, as many secretaries can attest, he’s not a long-term type of dude.
Though Sven is not the City Sir Alex, he still deserves a seat on the bench next season. He did a great job assembling this team. They are moving forward. If they can get a non-comatose striker, they can compete for a top four spot. Even if he isn’t permanent, next season still looks viable.
Logic says keep him. But, as City fans will soon realize, it’s Thaksin’s party and he can cry if he wants to.
