Ivory Coast claim Sven-Goran Eriksson will be their manager at this
summer's World Cup finals - but admit he wasn't their first choice.
The Elephants had been hoping to convince Guus Hiddink to
take the reins in South Africa, but saw their efforts come to
nothing.
The Dutchman is currently between jobs, having parted with
Russia and yet to take charge of new employers Turkey.
However, an agreement could not be reached and the Ivorians
have been forced to turn their attention elsewhere.
Swedish tactician Eriksson was quickly installed as their top
choice, with the former Mexico and England boss looking for work
after leaving his role as director of football at Notts County in
February.
He has prior experience of life at the World Cup, having
guided England to the finals in 2002 and 2006.
Ivory Coast general secretary Hegaurd Ouattara admits
Eriksson was not the leading candidate to replace Vahid Halihodzic,
but is delighted with the appointment.
"He was not out first choice. That was Guus Hiddink," he
said. "But Eriksson's record speaks for itself."
