Fabio Capello admits his national status has slumped from a
'god' to a 'monster' since England's World Cup flop but he has
promised to fight to save his job.
Capello turned on his critics ahead of the Euro 2012 qualifier
against Bulgaria at Wembley, defending his tactics, his players and
his record as England boss.
'You create the god and you create the monster,' said the
Italian with a laugh. 'I remember what was written about me before
this period. I live the same when you write well of me as I do when
you write badly of me. This is my job and I have to live with the
pressure.
Defiant: England manager Fabio Capello says he can
live with the pressure
'We lost only one game in the World Cup, against Germany, after
one big mistake from the referee. You don't remember this? I think
so. But, after this, your opinion about me changed completely. But
I live with this situation. It's no problem for me. I live. Sorry.
It is easy to be the best when you win but, when you lose, you lose
everything. You have to fight and I am a fighter.'
In his hour of need, Capello will show faith in many of the same
players who let him down in South Africa. The England manager
confirmed that Jermain Defoe and Wayne Rooney, the strikeforce
which started in the 4-1 defeat to Germany, will again spearhead
the team.
Head boy: Capello has backed Wayne Rooney to shine
again for England
Rooney has not scored in 10 internationals, stretching back
almost a year, but Capello said: 'He is good, he is back. Rooney
will play with Defoe. I changed some things but not a lot.'
England ditched 12 players from their World Cup squad for the
forthcoming European Championship qualifiers, calling up 11 new
faces. And they are not alone.
The rest of Europe has been at it too. Unlike at the World Cup,
where countries had to select 23-strong squads, they are able to
select a different sized group for the Euro qualifiers.
France.................... IN
15 OUT 14
Germany................ IN
4 OUT 6
Holland .................. IN
8 OUT 9
Spain ..................... IN 2
OUT 4
Portugal ............... IN
6 OUT 9
But Bulgaria coach Stanimir Stoilov believes the pressure could
get to Rooney and urged Hungarian referee Viktor Kassai and his
fellow officials to stamp out any aggression he might show towards
his players.
Stoilov said: 'If Rooney is nervous because of his lack of goals
he should be punished if he is too aggressive, but that is the
referee's job. Rooney has great skills so I have to teach my
players how to stop him on the pitch and not to provoke him. It is
not the style of the Bulgaria national team to provoke. We came
here to play fairly.'
But for injuries to Chelsea pair John Terry and Frank Lampard,
the England team starting tonight would be close to the one
thrashed by the Germans in Bloemfontein.
Everton defender Phil Jagielka trained yesterday and is expected
to replace Terry in the back four.
West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper Scott Carson pulled out of the
squad after a family bereavement and has been replaced by Watford's
Scott Loach, recalled from Under 21 duty.
Capello hopes Carson will be able to rejoin his squad in time
for Tuesday's game in Switzerland.