Despite being England coach for six years, Eriksson never once took charge of a team at the national stadium, instead spending all his time 'on the road' at various grounds around the country.

Now installed as Stuart Pearce's successor at City, the Swede had an obvious opportunity to meet up with his old FA employers at the Community Shield showdown between Chelsea and Manchester United.

It would have been a legitimate visit, too, given United visit Eastlands in a fortnight.

However, instead of making the trip to London, Eriksson will remain in Manchester, where he is expected to tie up the loose ends of Bresciano's move from Palermo.

Eriksson pointedly refused to state whether the Australian midfielder was the man he was after.

But the Swede did appear to give the game away when he was asked whether he was trying to sign an Italian.

"Maybe not an Italian, but possibly someone who has played in the Italian league," he smiled.

"I am not going to Wembley because I have to say hello to a new player.

"Hopefully, by the time we start training on Monday afternoon, we will have another new face."

Bresciano's arrival would certainly bring some bite to the City midfield, a commodity which appeared to be lacking in today's 1-0 home defeat to Valencia.

In a contest of few chances, David Silva's 10th-minute effort proved decisive, with both Michael Johnson and Ronaldo Bianchi hitting the bar as Eriksson's team strove for an equaliser.

Despite the defeat, Eriksson declared himself satisfied with the performance, singling out new arrivals Javier Garrido and Elano for special praise.

The pair only signed for City on Thursday and have been involved in just two training sessions.

Yet they acquitted themselves reasonably well, leaving Eriksson in bullish mood seven days before the opening game at West Ham.

"I would be a liar if I said I didn't wish for a bit more time," he said.

"But I liked what I saw and I am much more positive than I was this morning. We will be better next week for sure."

New owner Thaksin Shinawatra looked down from the stands as Eriksson received a standing ovation prior to kick-off.

Although the duo did not speak immediately after the game, they were due to have a chat at the Thai festival Thaksin has arranged in Manchester city centre.

Having backed Eriksson to the tune of $75million in the transfer market so far, Thaksin has fulfilled the promise he made to the former England coach when he asked him to succeed Pearce as manager.

"He is very excited about the future," said Eriksson.

"When he took over he said he will spend money to bring in new players. He kept his word and he is very passionate about the football."

Thaksin's millions should ensure City stave off any approaches for England defender Micah Richards.

The 19-year-old partnered skipper Richard Dunne in central defence this afternoon but Eriksson knows he can also use the youngster at right-back.

And, even from a few brief sessions on the training ground, Eriksson is not surprised Richards is one of the most talked-about young defenders in the game.

"Every club in Europe would like a talent like that," he said.

"He is as strong as a horse, quick and an extremely good defender.

"He is only 20 years old. I would be surprised if clubs were not knocking on the door about him."