City slicker Richards comes to the defence of under-fire Eriksson

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But Richards, writing in his BBC online column, expressed surprise that Eriksson's record was being questioned.

Richards: Eriksson being sacked is 'crazy talk'

"The players are 100 per cent behind him," he said. "I think it's crazy that his job is being talked about as being in danger. He has been good for everyone at City.

"We finished 14th last season and were only four points above the relegation zone. Compare that with Sven's results at the beginning of the season. And even though we have fallen away, we have been in the top 10 all year."

Shinawatra's criticism of City's performance in the new year is especially surprising as the club are on course for their highest points total in the Barclays Premier League, and retain an outside chance of a UEFA Cup spot.

Richards, currently sidelined with a knee injury, admits it will be difficult to force himself into Fabio Capello's England squad for summer friendlies against USA and Trinidad & Tobago.

He said: "England have games coming up, but if I'm not playing for City, I am not going to get picked."

City will begin their preparations for next season in Switzerland, taking on Lucerne on July 8 and Basle four days later.