SVEN GORAN ERIKSSON will be axed as Manchester City boss at the end of the season after an explosive bust-up with owner Thaksin Shinawatra.

Eriksson met Shinawatra on Sunday and left knowing he was facing the boot.

The shocked Swede called a meeting of all his staff at the Carrington Training Complex yesterday to drop the b****shell.

A City insider said: It was a very unpleasant meeting between Sven and the owner. Shinawatra wants control of everything and that is not the way that Eriksson works.

In an amazing show of fury, the normally mild-mannered former England boss tore into Shinawatra for publicly criticising the team's performance and his own abilities.

Eriksson told the owner his comments were disgraceful and argued if he had anything to say he should do so in private.

But Shinawatra has become so power-crazy at City he wants the final word on everyone who comes in or out and even wants to pick the team.

Eriksson has it in his contract that decisions on which players to buy are his call.

Shinawatra, though, is determined to change that and as Eriksson will not comply he will find a manager who will.

Eriksson signed a three-year deal worth £2.5million a year when he joined City last July.

And he will only go when Shinawatra fires him with a multi- million pound compensation package.

The Eastlands insider added: Sven was very angry about being attacked in public and let his feelings be known. Sven doesnt lose his cool very often and was really upset.

Shinawatra expects the manager to do what he says no questions asked and if he decides a player should be in the team the boss should accept it.

But Sven wont agree with that. How many top managers would?

Former Thai Prime Minister Shinawatra wants a big name from abroad to take Erikssons place but that will not go down well with the fans.

City have had their best season for years, are guaranteed a top-half finish and did the double over rivals Manchester United.

Eriksson told his shocked City stars that he is going to be sacked in the summer.

He revealed he will be chopped after their last two league games.

A number of senior players stood up to pledge their support for Eriksson.

One eyewitness said: Everyone was totally shocked. The players have all taken to Sven and enjoy his methods.

It seems ridiculous after what has been an excellent season.