Sven-Goran Eriksson has received a welcome boost after Rio Ferdinand insisted he has no axe to grind with the England boss.
Eriksson was recently lured into making indiscreet comments about several
high-profile members of his squad, including Ferdinand.
Although complementing the Manchester United defender's ability, Eriksson did
also say that Ferdinand was 'lazy sometimes'.
However, Ferdinand revealed the Swede has already spoken to him about the
incident and it would seem there are no hard feelings.
'I certainly don't bear any grudges,' Ferdinand told
The Sun. 'I spoke to
Sven and I respect him for calling me, but knowing him as I do, I would have
expected him to do that.
'There's no problem between us. He supported me during my ban for missing a
drug test and has always played fair with me in the past.
'I'm not going to discuss what was said between us and I won't dwell on it.
It's happened and that's it.
'I can't speak for the other players, but as far as I'm concerned, it hasn't
undermined my relationship with him.'
Aston Villa boss David O'Leary is another who is now prepared to forgive and
forget after speaking to Eriksson.
Earlier this week, O'Leary hit out at the England boss for suggesting he would
be prepared to take over at Villa Park once the World Cup is over.
However, O'Leary told Sky Sports News: 'The matter's over for me. I've spoken
to Sven and had a good chat with Sven, and what he told me I accept.
'I've got good friends at the FA as well, people that I've spoken to, and the
matter is over and done with now.
'All I want people to do, like myself, is let's move on and let's try and
help England win the World Cup.'
