Portsmouth goalkeeper David James admits he cannot believe the pressure Manchester City boss Sven Goran Eriksson is under.
"The start of the season was terrific. Now all of a sudden things aren't quite working right and all the rumours are hard on the fans. It's a sadness.
"As England manager, I thought Sven's delegation responsibilities was spot on. His only failings, dare I say it, were small incidents in the top-end games."
Portsmouth play in Manchester today as FA Cup finalists, but James said: "The only people talking about the FA Cup now is everyone else. We are focused on winning games and the position of fifth is achievable."