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SVEN-GÖRAN ERIKSSON

‘Svennis’ Eriksson in talks over Iran move

Former England manager Sven-Göran Eriksson has held talks with Persepolis FC over the prospect of becoming the Iranian football team's next coach.

'Svennis' Eriksson in talks over Iran move

Eriksson, who originates from Värmland in Sweden, left Iran Thursday after holding talks with Persepolis FC official, the state news agency IRNA reported.

The nomadic manager, known affectionately as “Svennis” in his homeland, flew to Dubai after the negotiations held Wednesday night on Iran’s Kish Island, in the Gulf, the agency said.

“He will later announce his decision on our proposal,” Persepolis football club president Mohammad Rouyanian was quoted as saying.

British newspapers this week reported the struggling Iranian side was looking to spend around £1 million ($1.6 million) to secure Eriksson, who left Leicester City last month by “mutual agreement”.

The 63-year-old Swede had signed a two-year contract with Leicester City just a year earlier, after a number of unsuccessful spells – including with Manchester City, Mexico and League Two outfit Notts County – since leaving the England job, which he held 2001-2006.

Prior to the England job, Eriksson enjoyed successful spells with IFK Gothenburg, where victory in the 1982 UEFA cup paved the way for him to try his managerial skills in Europe’s major leagues.

Benfica was his first port of call and after two league wins he moved to Italy, spending time at Roma, Fiorentina and Sampdoria and finally a successful four years with Lazio, crowned with a Serie A league win in 2000.

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FOOTBALL

Eriksson refuses 1860 Munich coaching job

Ex-England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson has snubbed German second division side 1860 Munich, just three days after it was announced the Swede would join the Bavarian outfit's coaching staff.

Eriksson refuses 1860 Munich coaching job
Photo: DPA

Eriksson, 64, had met the club’s board for seven hours on Tuesday before it was confirmed that he would work alongside coach Alexander Schmidt.

But 1860, who share the Allianz Arena with Bayern Munich but were relegated in 2004, said Friday that after a period of reflection, Eriksson had changed his mind.

The club’s Jordanian investor Hasan Ismaik had wanted Erikkson appointed as head coach but a compromise was reached for the Swede to work with Schmidt, who took charge in November.

Eriksson had been working with Thai club Tero Sasana and his lengthy resume of former clubs includes Benfica, Roma, Fiorentina, Sampdoria, Lazio and Manchester City.

As well as having coached England, he has also managed the national teams of Mexico (2008-09) and Ivory Coast (2010).

Schmidt, 44, was previously the club’s Under-21 coach and only took charge of the first team on November 17 after Reiner Maurer was sacked.

After 19 matches of the season, 1860 Munich are sixth in the table, five points off third place which would guarantee at least a promotion play-off spot.

AFP/The Local/mw

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