Lazio's lame duck coach

Sven Goran Eriksson must be on the ball for FA

BBC Sport Online's Phil McNulty questions whether Sven Goran Eriksson was doomed at Lazio from the day he accepted the England job.

Lazio's all-powerful president Sergio Cragnotti claimed he would "not get tired" of keeping faith with Sven Goran Eriksson.

It seemed, however, since Sunday's defeat against Napoli, that if the Stadio Olimpico's overlord was not exactly tired, he was certainly stifling a yawn.

Cragnotti's stance altered markedly after that setback, with the words: "We are going to stick with Eriksson for now."

It was not so much a public vote of confidence, more an open invitation to the Swede to fall on his sword in the Eternal City.

Eriksson locked himself behind the iron gates of Lazio's palatial Formello training headquarters and asked his players their thoughts.

The likelihood is that the outbreak of rampant apathy inside Formello effectively forced Eriksson out of Rome and into Soho Square - six months ahead of schedule.

Eriksson has been under fire

Eriksson's unceremonious departure from Lazio is in sharp contrast to the harmonious scenes that greeted his arrival at the FA in November.

The Swede was confident he could effectively ride two horses at once. He was happy. The FA was happy. Lazio were happy.

FA chief executive Adam Crozier, while moving to give Eriksson at least a part-time role, said: "President Cragnotti has been incredibly helpful."

Cragnotti was charm itself: "Svennis has made a life decision. He was happy in Rome, he has won a lot here and become the most successful coach in Lazio's history.

"He is proud to become the first foreign coach of the English national team.

"But now I hope he will lead us to the Champions' League."

They were optimistic words, but in reality the only place Eriksson was leading Lazio was into oblivion.

Eriksson was treated with disdain by fans, with apathy by Lazio's players as they turned in a series of listless performances, and with suspicion by the media who held inquests into his future after every game.

FA 's Adam Crozier lured Eriksson

Only good results and the goodwill of the fiercely ambitious Cragnotti, could prevent him becoming Lazio's lame duck coach.

And Cragnotti's goodwill only extends as far as good results - with Lazio's slide down the table an accurate indicator of Eriksson's chances of surviving with his job.

Lazio slipped away at Anderlecht and, with an ironic significance, at home to Leeds United, in the Champions League.

They were dumped out of the Italian Cup by lowly Udinese and have fallen well off the pace in Serie A.

It has led to unrest, and finally to Eriksson resigning his post for the first time in his illustrious career.

He is proud to become the first foreign coach of the English national team

  Lazio president Sergio Cragnotti

Eriksson dispatched his right hand man Tord Grip to England to act as his eyes and ears, but the Swede was doomed in Rome from the day he was paraded at FA headquarters.

He is a single-minded individual, but even the best intentions of any coach will be worn down by constant questions about his next job as opposed to his current one.

The climate of uncertainty has claimed Eriksson, and he will probably be feeling a sense of relief as the pressure is finally released.

It is not often the ascension to the job of England coach can be regarded as a respite, but Sven Goran Eriksson may actually see it as just that.

But there is no doubt he now needs a morale-boost as much as England after the last few months at Lazio.