Al Nasr Technical Director Sven-Goran Eriksson insists he is at the club to help manager Walter Zenga – not replace him. 

When the vastly-experienced Swede arrived at the Al-Maktoum Stadium last month, there were the almost inevitable rumours that he was being lined up as an alternative to the Italian incumbent. 

But Eriksson laughed off the suggestion, telling Sport360°: “I heard that, yes, but absolutely not, I’m not here to do that.

“Zenga has done a great job here, they have come third, then second and now they have the chance to come third or second again; and who knows what will happen in the Champions League?”

Eriksson has a enjoyed a long – and ultimately successful – management career which includes league titles in Sweden with IFK Goteborg, three with Portuguese club Benfica, and the 2000 Scudetto with Lazio.

And the former England coach admitted that he could still return to management, but insisted he is only focused on the job at hand with Al Nasr. 

“Maybe one day (I will return to management), but now I’m focused on this, there’s a lot to do,” he explained. “It would be nice to see in one year where we stand with the schools and academy and stuff like that.” 

Eriksson is a regular as an observer at Nasr’s training sessions, but added: “I’m not here as a coach. 

“Of course I have a relationship with Walter workwise, if he has any problems then I can help him. “But I’m not here to tell Zenga to play this player or play 4-4-2 or whatever. No, that’s not my job.”

 

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