Sven-Goran Eriksson does not expect the support of Manchester City fans will make much difference as he faces the prospect of the axe at the end of the campaign.

The former England boss saw his side lose 1-0 away to Liverpool yesterday as Fernando Torres scored his 32nd goal of a remarkable season.

But it was Eriksson's own future that dominated the day, with City fans packed into the Anfield Road end maintaining a barrage of support for their manager.

Their target was owner Thaksin Shinawatra's decision, it is believed, to axe Eriksson after next weekend's final match of the season at Middlesbrough.

And when confronted with questions on his future and whether the fans will make any difference, he said: "I don't think so."

That one remark underlined just how much pressure he is under, but he insisted any further talks over his future must wait now until the season is over, and even after he has taken the squad to Thailand for a summer tour.

But after the defeat at Anfield, Eriksson said: "The support for me was fantastic, of course it is. It makes me stand up from the bench a lot but I can do that, no problem.

"It was fantastic, of course I am thankful. They have been fantastic all season, incredible.

"Maybe it will not affect things, I don't know. But we have one week to go until the season is finished. But I would appreciate it if people would accept that we will start talking after that."

But Eriksson was clearly moved by the support, saying: "They are wonderful, especially when you see all the support and we haven't won anything. We are going in the right way. The side is improving.

"I expect to know what will happen after the last match. If you speak clearly to people, the situation will come out. If you do not speak clearly, it will not. We can wait a week. That is not a long time.

"I think we have done a good job. Before the season started we did not really know what would happen, and how the new players would react to the Premier League.

"We started well and we were high in the table and the dream of all of us was about Europe. Now that is finished.

"But to finish where we are is good. We are a very young team, a lot of young players, and they will be better next season.

"It is a good start. And if you compare where the club was a year ago you can surely see the improvement.

"The reason I accepted Manchester City was the project. It was a big club, but it was not doing too well. It is fantastic to build up something new, something better.

"If you talk about targets, we cannot be worse than ninth. And if a small miracle happens next weekend we could be eighth.

"It is good. It would have been better to qualify for Europe, I agree, but next season that could happen."

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez sympathised with Eriksson's plight, but was more concerned with Liverpool's seventh successive home league win and Torres' contribution.

He said: "It was another good game from us, another fine goal from Fernando.

"I believe he will score more, which will be a great benefit for the club, for him and for the fans.

"We have not got a Champions League final to look forward to, we can't change that now. But we were able to win our last home game and give the fans something to be pleased about."