Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini says he's discussed the club with good friend Sven Goran Eriksson.

Ivory Coast manager Eriksson was in charge of City for a year under Thaksin Shinawatra's ownership.

Mancini told City's website: "We stay in touch, and sometimes he will offer advice if I ask.

"He has been a big influence on me, seven or eight years as a player and then one year as his assistant. He is a good man and a good manager, one of the most important in my career.

"But he is very busy now, he doesn't have much time because he must get to know all their players and prepare everything before the World Cup. It's difficult for him."