Eriksson: 'I'm relishing Ivory Coast challenge'
By Nick Harris
29 March 2010
Sven Goran Eriksson has said this morning that he is "relishing" the prospect of managing the Ivory Coast at this summer's World Cup in South Africa, telling sportingintelligence: "I'm absolutely delighted to have this opportunity, and I'm very much relishing the chance to go to my third World Cup [as a coach]. I'm looking forward to meeting the players now, and getting on with the job."
Eriksson signed the deal to take charge of Les Elephants last night. The Swede's agent, Athole Still, has confirmed to this website this morning that Eriksson's contract with the Ivory Coast will last only as long as the West Africa nation remain in the tournament. "It's just for the World Cup," he said. Eriksson managed England at the World Cups of 2002 and 2006.
The Ivory Coast post is Eriksson's fifth job inside four years, after leaving his post as the England manager in 2006, then working at Manchester City, with Mexico and at Notts County before returning to the international scene yesterday.
The Ivory Coast could meet England in the semi-finals or final in South Africa, depending on the progress of each team.
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