SIR Alex Ferguson found a friend in high places when he revealed his feelings on pressure cooker football this week - but England boss Sven Goran Eriksson says it is even worse at international level.

Eriksson, seen in some quarters as a possible replacement for Sir Alex when he steps down next summer, compared the tension a manager experiences to a severe migraine.

''It is like a hammer . . . bump, bump, every day. If things are going well it is always beautiful, if it is the opposite, then it is a hard business. But we know that and I think we are paid for that," he said.

The Swede speaks from experience having held eight club posts before taking over England.

Three months off

He led Gothenburg the top in his homeland, doing the same after a move to Benfica then inspired Lazio to UEFA Cup glory. All this meant extra pressure, but he says it is even more severe in his present job.

''I think there is a big difference. If you talk about England, the pressure is enormous, but only now and then. After this weekend's game for example we have three months before we have the next game. ''

''As a club manager maybe the pressure is a little bit less in my experience, but you have it every day.

''There are too many expectations, too much pressure.

''I think when things are going badly you find yourself thinking much more about football but, at a certain point you have to cut it, you can't go around for 24 hours thinking about all the problems you have.''

'Miss the daily contact'

Whether Eriksson would put himself in the frame for the United job is debatable although he does not seem to have ruled out the idea.

''I like the job I have, I like it very, very much. What I miss a little bit is the daily contact with the players but I have always said that. I knew it before but I miss that, I do,'' he said.

Tweet