It was last week that Sven-Göran Eriksson in an interview with Swedens radio told that he is seriously ill with cancer.
– At best I have a year, at worst a little less, he said during the conversation. An interview that has been widely distributed globally and where “Svennis” received many supportive calls and messages.
– There have been calls from many places. England, Italy, Sweden of course and even China. They are sorry and it is incredibly beautiful what they say. Some of them I haven’t heard from in maybe ten years, says Eriksson in an interview with SVT.
Probably would have declined
During the conversation with SVT, he talks about his illness, but also about football and Sweden’s search for the next captain for the men’s national team.
“Svennis” believes that it is not good that the negotiation process with Olof Mellberg was leaked to the media.
– It is unlucky that such a thing with Mellberg, that he refused, comes out. It is not good for the next candidate and how he feels that he was not number one, says Eriksson.
What would you do if you were asked the question, but knew you were second on the list?
– I would have refused, probably, I would think. Or maybe I should take the job anyway. But the negotiation process coming out is not good.
“Not good at all”
Sven-Göran Eriksson himself has no favorite that he wants to see take over from Janne Andersson.
– No, no idea. I would have had an answer to that if I got to meet all (candidates). It’s a big job.
What do you say about the job ahead for whoever takes over?
– The job is huge and there is a huge need to turn things right. For the past few years, the results have not been good at all. There are two major tournaments that Sweden has not qualified for, says Eriksson and continues:
– It’s bad for the fans, it’s bad for the players and it’s very bad for the association’s finances. That’s where the big money is, in an EC or WC.