Sven’s new boys go on show, but it's the same old City

On the evidence of this match, he will get his share of pressure at a club renowned for living with problems. It says everything about this very friendly pre-season friendly that the biggest cheer of the afternoon went up when world boxing champion Ricky Hatton took his seat in the stand.

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Whether those chanting "You fat b......" would have done so had he been sitting next to them is debatable — but like the game it was all good-natured. Lifelong City fan Hatton was probably as unfamiliar with the team as they were with themselves — half a dozen were making their first appearances at the City of Manchester Stadium.

Eriksson used that as an excuse for a below-par performance but professed himself much happier than he had been before kick-off. "I feel very positive. We were up against one of the best teams in Europe and yet we created the most chances. I would be a liar if I said I didn't need more time to prepare for our first Premier League game at West Ham, but we will be better in seven days and I think we will have an exciting team this season," he said.

He also hasn't finished spending. He is expected to tie up the loose ends of Mark Bresciano's move from Palermo to add some bite in midfield.

One of the first things Sven must address is an acute lack of confidence in his strikeforce. Georgios Samaras and Bernado Corradi became figures of fun last season as City scored only 10 goals at their spanking new home and the portents appeared no better yesterday after a mis-firing display from £8.8 million purchase Rolando Bianchi.

The Italian was fourth top scorer in Serie A last season, plundering 18 goals for Reggina, but here he contrived to hit the bar with an unhindered header from eight yards and got his feet tied up in knots when presented with an even better chance in front of goal.

Two of City's better performers,Stephen Ireland and Michael Johnson, were leftovers from the Stuart Pearce era. Johnson also struck the frame of the goal with a terrific 20-yard shot. And while Eriksson has been criticised for his foreign transfer splurge, he assured fans that the pair 'will be a big part of my plans'.

With Richard Dunne, Micah Richards and Nedum Onuoha also involved yesterday there is still, thankfully, a homegrown element to the team. Valencia were far too good for Sven's embryonic side and should have won by far more than David Silva's early goal,but seemed as woeful in front of goal as their hosts. At least new City owner Thaksin Shinawatra was still smiling at the end and will hope things can only get better after treating his manager, staff, players and fans to a free evening of Thai entertainment, naturally including dinner last night.

"He has kept his word in letting me spend money and I know he is also very positive about the future of the club," said Eriksson.

Having backed his manager to the tune of £30m so far, Thaksin has fulfilled the promise he made to the former England coach when he asked him to succeed Pearce.

"He is very excited about the future here," said Eriksson. "When he took over he said he will spend money to bring in new players. He is very passionate about football."

Thaksin's millions should ensure City stave off any approaches for England defender Richards.

The 19-year-old partnered skipper Dunne in central defence but Eriksson knows he can also use the youngster at right-back.

And, even from a few brief sessions on the training ground, Eriksson is not surprised Richards is one of the most talkedabout young defenders in the game.

"Every club in Europe would like a talent like that," he said. "He is as strong as a horse, quick and an extremely good defender.

"I would be surprised if clubs were not knocking on the door about him."