The answer is probably not, judging from some of his comments on the BBC website. Owning a Premier League club is very much a status symbol for Thaksin Shinawatra, who has done very little to confirm that he’s happy with the efforts of manager Sven-Goran Eriksson, despite speculation about the Swede’s future at the club.
Furthermore, the deposed Thai Prime Minister appears to know little about where the team need strengthening in the summer. It’s commonly regarded that City’s main problem has been the lack of a front man holding the ball up and someone to slap the ball in the onion bag over twenty times a season. Not according to the man affectionately known as ‘Frank’.
“We will look at it at the end of the season and assess the club and the people involved.
“We’ll probably have to sell some players and buy some new ones. We need some defenders, midfielders – midfielders are the key.”
Not strikers then? Despite only managing 39 goals in 34 matches, less than Tottenham, Liverpool and Manchester United have managed at home this season? Benjani is simply the latest in a long line of strikers who have failed to cut it at Eastlands this season, while the defence is widely acknowledged to have been City’s strongest department.
Whoever Shinawatra has in charge as manager, this is someone who seemingly wants a direct say in team affairs, will Sven be bothered to stick around even if he’s given the chance?