Sven Demands Answers Today

With the Swede’s position at Eastlands looking increasingly unsteady, he wants the terms of his immediate future laid clear by club owner Thaksin Shinawatra.

City’s results have dipped significantly but they are still on course for a top half finish with their highest ever Premier League points tally - targets that Shinawatra were content with as recently as March, according to Eriksson.

Sven insists that the ex-Thai PM has no grudge against him personally and the decision to end his managerial reign is solely based on results and exorbitant expectations.

He said:"I expect clear words, one way or another, as early as that (today). That's what I expect.

"It won't be face to face but there are phones and I am sure that his right-hand man will come to Middlesbrough from what I have heard."

"All the speculation is because of results, yes. I don't think anyone has anything personal against me. I wouldn't think so.

"But it is very difficult for me to tell you exactly what the owner feels and thinks. The only time he talked about results was the time he said he wanted to finish in the top 10. That, I remember, in March. That was the last real meeting we had."

Eriksson also added that he will be taking part in the club’s Thailand trip at the end of the season becsue he is contractually obliged to do so. The City players are said to be considering a stand against the tour and the decision to sack Sven but the Swede knows that he will for certain be leading his team to the East.

He continued: "The situation is I am going to Thailand because I am contracted to do that

"As the situation is, I am expected to go to Thailand and that's okay for me.

"Going or not going to Thailand is not a big issue. To be clear [about the future] is a big issue."