Martin Petrov and Goran Stankouski. Photograph: Mike Clarke/AFP

Sven-Goran Eriksson refused to be drawn on his future at Manchester City after the club concluded their post-season tour of Asia with a humiliating defeat to a South China Invitational XI. Eriksson’s position has been the subject of feverish speculation since it was revealed club owner Thaksin Shinawatra was conducting a review of the club, the result of which will be known after City return to Manchester tomorrow.

Following what could prove to be his final game in charge, Eriksson was in obtuse mood when the question as to his employment at the club arose. “It has been a very, very long season for all of us, especially for a lot of young players and a lot of new players in the Premier League. I think everybody looks forward to a break now,” was all he would tell reporters.

However, Eriksson was upbeat about the tour after today’s match. “I think it was very useful for the young players we have - it’s good for them,” he said.”I’m disappointed that we lost, but the most important thing is that we tried to play good football.”

Dietmar Hamann put City ahead but the hosts levelled before half-time through Giovane Da Silva. The Invitational XI - a select band of Hong Kong players - then went ahead three minutes after the interval when Festus Baise struck before Liang Zicheng added a third in the 71st minute.

It is the end of a miserable tour for City who also lost 3-1 to Thailand Premier All-Stars last Saturday, a defeat watched by club owner Thaksin Shinawatra.

guardian.co.uk