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Just after the press conference, the English Football Association, as expected, confirmed that the national team coach, Swedish Sven Goran Eriksson, has extended his contract until 2008.
Recently, there have been rumors in the press that the Swede may accept offers to coach London's Chelsea or other teams. These suspicions were especially strengthened after Eriksson was seen entering the home of Chelsea's chief executive Peter Kenyon yesterday. Several British newspapers even published photos proving this.
However, yesterday evening, Chelsea representative Pinis Zahavavis reassured fans of the England national team: "Yes, Sven visited Kenyon's house. But what they talked about, I believe, everyone should remain calm."
The press conference started at 10:05 local time. It was opened by the federation's president: "I am very pleased to announce that Mr. Sven Goran Eriksson has extended his contract until 2008. This is great news for all of us. He is one of the best coaches in the world, so we are very happy to see him coaching the England national team."
After this introductory speech, the gathered journalists were allowed to ask questions. When one of them asked if Chelsea had offered a job to the Swede, Eriksson replied: "Neither Chelsea nor any other club has offered me a contract. I was simply asked, no, that's not the word, I was inquired when I would be available."
Later, a correspondent asked if Eriksson planned to resign after the 2004 European Championship: "No, I definitely do not plan to resign. After all, I have a contract until 2008. Would I extend the contract if I planned to resign?"
"This is a very important and special job for me, and money in this contract is certainly not the main thing," Eriksson concluded.
