Scolari in the dark over Manchester City rumours

Portugal coach says nothing doing until after Euro 2008

Portugal’s national team coach, Luiz Felipe Scolari, has come out and quickly doused any flames circulating that he is next in line to take over at Manchester City. News has become rife over the last couple of days regarding current City manager Sven-Goran Eriksson’s future at the club.

Billionaire owner Thaksin Shinawatra has criticised Eriksson’s work and is looking to replace the former England boss at the end of the season. One of the names that has popped up as a potential suitor is Scolari, but the Brazilian World Cup winner denies having any knowledge of interest.

“This is the first time I am hearing of this subject,” confessed Scolari. “My agent has spent the last few days here in Lisbon. We have spoken about certain things, but nothing regarding England.”

“As it is, people know that nothing will be decided before the Portuguese Football Federation president Gilberto Madail, has the last word. He will have even less to say now immediately before the Euro.”

As for Eriksson, should he be let go, it is believed that the Swede will not be short of admirers as many feel that the former Lazio boss has done remarkably well at City in only his first year. It is also understood that Benfica are one of the clubs who might be interested in bringing their former coach back as Eriksson had two successful spells with the Eagles in 1982-84 & 1989-92.

The Lisbon outfit are in the market for a new head coach and would relish having one of the club’s most successful coaches return. The team are currently embroiled in a dogfight in an attempt to land one of the allotted Champions League spots for Portugal.

Should they manage to qualify for Europe’s top club competition it would certainly help them lure Eriksson back for a third spell.


Related: Lippi says no to Benfica; Eriksson emerges as front-runner