ME AND MY BOSS.. Michael Owen with new England manager Fabio
Capello
FABIO CAPELLO has laid down the law — and left
England’s stars quaking.
The ruthless Italian issued strict new rules as he
prepares for tomorrow’s Wembley showdown with Switzerland.
As players assembled at the team hotel in Watford, they
were confronted by a noticeboard telling them:
One insider said: “Capello has turned the hotel into a
military camp.”
The England players are still feeling the shock of
Capello’s decision to axe David Beckham for tomorrow’s friendly,
denying him a 100th cap.
And even established internationals Rio Ferdinand and
Steven Gerrard have been left with no doubts as to who is the
boss.
Ferdinand said: “He calls me and a lot of the other
players by our surnames. His coaching staff call us by surname as
well. That’s the way it is.
“The Becks decision proved there is no sentiment about
the boss.
“Nine out of 10 others would probably have picked him
but this manager has made his decision and it’s not our place to
question that or react to it.
“We’re not here to worry about anyone else’s feelings.
We’re here to be part of a successful team.
“It’s his job to pick the squad and if we’re going to
be successful we will live or die by his decisions.”
Gerrard, expected to captain Capello’s first team
tomorrow, said: “Fabio is keeping us all on our toes.
“As long as there is a big respect between the manager
and his players, I don’t think it’s important he’s not close to
us.
“It’s not about enjoying yourself with the manager,
it’s about seriousness and getting results in an England
shirt.”
