City have hardly put a foot wrong since Eriksson was appointed as Stuart Pearce's successor in the summer and head to Chelsea tomorrow sitting pretty in third spot and boasting a four-point lead over the former Premier League champions.

Yet, while some Blues followers are daring to dream about Champions League football being played at Eastlands next season, Eriksson has maintained a realistic view of City's season, preferring to wait until Christmas before he sets any targets.

Having already claimed City have next to no chance of finishing in the top four, Eriksson accepts a dip in form will come at some point.

But, when it arrives, the Swede does not feel Thaksin is likely to turn against him.

"The relationship between a manager and the chairman or owner of a club is as important as the one between the manager and his players," said Eriksson.

"If it breaks down somewhere, it makes life very difficult for everyone.

"I am happy to say I have a very positive dialogue with Dr Thaksin. I speak to him every week, sometimes twice a week. He comes down to the training ground every now and then and I went out for a meal with him on Wednesday, which was nice.

"Let's see if that goes on when we lose a couple of games. You never know but I think it will be alright."

Thaksin confirmed earlier this week cash would be made available for Eriksson to strengthen his squad during the January transfer window.

The former England boss admits Thaksin, despite being based in London, maintains a healthy interest in potential City signings, and has agreed a new striker should be a top priority in the post-Christmas sales.

However, given Eriksson's track record so far, the former Thailand Prime Minister has no need to be concerned.

Of City's eight summer signings, four are first-team regulars, two are usually in the squad and another, Valeri Bojinov, is due to return in January after cruciate ligament surgery.

"So far we have been lucky and the gamble has paid off," said Eriksson.

"I had a lot of good people around me when we bought these players but, of course, you are always a bit worried and nervous about whether you have done the right thing.

"The club has spent a lot of money, which brought a great responsibility.

"It is very difficult to control these things when you only have three weeks together but I think we got it right and I am very happy about that."

A trip to Stamford Bridge, where City have not won since 1993, represents an acid test for Eriksson's side.

Should the Blues avoid defeat, not only would it damage Chelsea even further, it would earmark City as definite top six contenders, with possibly more to come should any January signings have the same impact as Eriksson's previous ones.

And that scenario might even be enough to trigger a reaction from Old Trafford, who have monopolised the trophy-gathering operation in Manchester for the past three decades.

"I suppose if you ask our fans today, you will not find too many who are not happy," said Eriksson.

"It is a bit too early to start comparing us with Manchester United, who are a club who have had so much success in the last few years.

"But, if we can beat United sometimes and compete with them, it has to be good for football in Manchester.

"I think even Sir Alex Ferguson would appreciate that."