Capello set for
England talks
The Football Association are ready to make Fabio Capello the new
England manager.
Confirmation of Jose Mourinho's withdrawal from the race to succeed
Steve McClaren has paved the way for Capello to take the job,
providing he backs up a publicly-stated desire to lead England back
to the pinnacle of the international game in face-to-face meetings
with FA chief executive Brian Barwick.
While the pair, and FA director of football development Sir Trevor
Brooking, have yet to meet, talks have taken place with Capello's
advisors.
It is anticipated the 61-year-old will fly into London at some
point within the next 48 hours and, although Martin O'Neill,
Marcello Lippi and Jurgen Klinsmann continue to be discussed, it
now appears inevitable Capello will get the job.
A veteran of nine title wins during an illustrious career which has
encompassed spells at Juventus, AC Milan and Real Madrid, Capello
certainly fits the 'world-class' tag Barwick insisted was the
minimum criteria required to replace McClaren, who was axed in the
wake of England's failure to reach Euro 2008.
Capello's name immediately cropped up once McClaren's dismissal was
confirmed and, with FA insiders quickly stating the Italian's
inability to speak English would not prevent him getting the job,
was always one of the favourites.
Mourinho's knowledge of the English game - and popularity among the
fans - would have made him a better bet but now that option has
been ruled out, Capello has arguably the most impressive CV among
the remaining plausible candidates, even though fellow countryman
Marcello Lippi steered Italy to World Cup glory last summer.
Although Capello has been out of work since leaving Real Madrid in
June, he is one of the most respected coaches in the game, allying
a mental toughness which saw him axe - and then restore - David
Beckham from the Spanish giants' starting line-up last term, with
an indisputed capability of building successful teams.
It has already been suggested former Chelsea favourite Gianfranco
Zola could be brought into his coaching team, a move that would win
favour with English fans, as well as aiding Capello in his battle
against the language barrier.
Former England skipper Alan Shearer and current under-21 coach
Stuart Pearce may also be heavily involved if, as appears
increasingly likely, Capello is installed.
Ironically, given the prominence Beckham played in his last job,
Capello's first game in charge would be against Switzerland at
Wembley on February 6, when the LA Galaxy midfielder is likely to
win his 100th cap.
Pierfilippo Capello, son and adviser of Fabio Capello, has admitted
he is waiting for a call from the FA.
He told Sky Sports: 'The England job is really special.
'When the FA wants to speak to you, you have to listen. No contact
has been made yet, but we are waiting.'
Then England will have hope .... I always like Capello .
How i wish England has got his calibre of candidate .
Anyway , a world class coach for some world class players .
