Sven hails City masterplan

Eriksson: Thumbs up for City

Manchester City boss Sven Goran Eriksson has pinned his opening day success on his tactical system, which he says is indentical to that which he used in his tenure as England manager.

The Swede enjoyed an impressive 2-0 victory over West Ham in his first game in domestic English football, and claims that the money he has had at his disposal to strengthen his new side has been of great value.

Eriksson said: "I did use the system I played against West Ham with England. Go back and look through all the games - I did.

"As a manager, you always try to make the best use of the players you have available.

"It is not that I was restricted with England. We had some very good players.

"But of course, if you have money, it is easier to solve a problem by buying someone, and you cannot do that with the national team."

Making best use

Despite the criticism that his transfer policy has attracted, Eriksson's new additions prospered for City on their debuts, and none were more influential than big-money signing Elano.

The Brazilian was one of his new manager's first signings as he made his switch from Shakhtar Donetsk, and showed the ability to cause rival defenders a great deal of concern.

"If you are born in Brazil, the technical side of the game seems to come in the DNA," Eriksson continued.

"I don't know why, all I know is that Elano is a great player."

Strongest

Another player who has impressed the City boss is England international Micah Richards, who could be in line to start for his national side, considering manager Steve McClaren's current injury problems.

"Micah must be one of the strongest players I have ever seen," he continued.

"He is quick and good on the ball and we are very lucky to have a player like that.

"I can tell you he would have been picked as a reserve for the World Cup squad last year if he had not been injured."