Elano happy to let others decide Sven's fate at Manchester City

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Elano has declared himself happy with life under Sven-Goran Eriksson - but wants to leave the fate of the Manchester City boss for others to decide.

Eriksson and his squad are due to return to Manchester after a two-match Far East tour, with speculation mounting that the former England coach will be sacked after less than a year in the job.

City owner Thaksin Shinawatra is understood to have decided Eriksson needs replacing even though City have qualified for next season's UEFA Cup, through the Fair Play League, 12 months ahead of schedule.

Staying out of it: Elano holds off Middlesbrough's Fabio Rochemback at the Riverside earlier this season.

They were also challenging for a Champions League spot for the first half of the season before tailing off and finishing ninth.

Elano was a major factor behind that explosive start before his form dipped badly in mid-season.

Stunned fans have spoken up in Eriksson's defence, as have some players, with the likes of Richard Dunne, Micah Richards and Michael Johnson all set to leave if Thaksin carries through his threat.

But while Elano has heard plenty of rumours, the £8.8million midfielder does not believe it is his place to start passing judgement.

"I have enjoyed working with SGE and his staff but I don't want to get involved," Elano told the Manchester Evening News.

"There are lots of rumours and obviously the players are aware of that so we talk about it but it is the club's decision."

What Elano is concerned about is building up his fitness so he can be more effective throughout next season.

After appearing in the Copa America for Brazil before joining City from Shakhtar Donetsk, the physical nature of the Premier League caught him off guard.

So, after showing off his skills, now he wants to prove he can handle the tougher side of the game.

"I need to prepare for December and January better than I did," he said.

"There are more games here than there are in other leagues.

"I suffered a bit at the beginning of the winter. It was cold and rainy and I found it hard to perform the way I had been.

"I will try to be ready for the winter and to be better physically so that I can play a better season."

However, Elano sees no reason why City cannot build on last season and with the
lure of Europe likely to attract a better class of player, he feels a more sustained Champions League challenge is on the horizon.

"We did not achieve some of our objectives during the season but I think we can improve and fight for a UEFA Cup place again or even a Champions League spot," he said.

"It has been a productive season for me.

"I have scored goals and I have got to know the English football style. It was
a good first season and I am sure I will improve here."