World Cup qual. - Castillo defends Eriksson

Eurosport - Sat, 22 Nov 17:59:00 2008

Mexico and on-loan Manchester City winger Nery Castillo has defended under-fire national team head coach Sven-Goran Eriksson. The Swede has come in for criticism after the 1-0 defeat to Honduras in this week's World Cup qualifier.

FOOTBALL 2007 Copa America Nery Castillo Mexico - 0

Despite the defeat, Mexico still qualified for the final round, but only on goal difference, and Eriksson's position has been called into question.

"Eriksson will have to be accustomed to the rumours because here is not like in England, where if you lose nothing happens. In Mexico, that is a tragedy," said Castillo.

"I want to ask that the people don't criticise this team and trust in the coach."

Castillo's agent Juan Carlos Padilla has said they are willing to listen to offers when the player's loan deal from Shakhtar Donetsk to City expires at the end of December.

"Nery had worked hard and now only needs to have more participation in Manchester. Anyway, we want to listen offers from Shakhtar and other clubs too," he said.

TeamTalk / Eurosport

Not already a Yahoo! user ? to get a free Yahoo! Account