Former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson says he is hoping to coach Côte d’Ivoire at the Soccer World Cup in South Africa, but has not received confirmation yet, reports said on Wednesday.
“We shall see what happens. I have not received any confirmation yet,” Eriksson told the Svenska Dagbladet daily on the sidelines of an event at the Swedish national arena, Rasunda, outside Stockholm.
Eriksson, 62, has been linked to the West African team for some time but has not previously commented on his chances of taking over the team for the June 11-July 11 tournament.
“It would be great to sit on the bench at another World Cup finals, no doubt, but I have not got confirmation,” he added.
“The World Cup is the world’s largest sports event, a month-long party. It is incredible to take part of it, and be there as a player or coach,” Eriksson said.
Eriksson said Brazil and Spain were his favourites for the World Cup title. “On paper they both look strong.”
The Swedish national was earlier this year released from a contract at English club Notts County.
In addition to England, Eriksson has also been manager for Mexico. The Swede coached IFK Goteborg to the 1982 Uefa Cup title and has also been at the helm at clubs including Benfica Lisbon, Lazio and Manchester City. — Sapa-dpa