Fabio Capello On Life As England Manager

Starting any new job can be daunting, but when you’re faced with a foreign language and culture, the challenges are even greater.

On 14th December 2007, England announced veteran Italian coach Fabio Capello as their new football manager, succeeding Steve McClaren in the hot-seat.

The 62-year-old was welcomed by many English fans who hailed his appointment as a triumph, citing in particular his impressive trophy haul and his reputation as a disciplinarian.

Seven months after bedding in to the English way of life, Capello spoke to the League Managers Association’s new magazine, The Manager on how he’s finding his feet.

“Since I arrived in January, I’ve been very happy with life here in England. London is a wonderful city to live in, although I think I know the M6 motorway better than anywhere else in England!”

“I want to understand as much as I can about England - not just football, but the people and culture. I’ve been determined to improve my English as quickly as possible, and have had a lesson most days since January. I’m now more confident when speaking publicly, although I’ll continue to improve.”

Capello believes building relationships with the Premiership managers is key to his four year reign which will be his last job in football.

“I understand how it feels as a club manager when your players leave to play for the national side. We all have different priorities. Mine is to make the England team successful, but we must all work together. While I know some managers very well, I want to know all of them better.”

“It’s important for me to understand the views and attitudes in this country. Alan Curbishley and David Moyes told me recently about the tradition of managers meeting informally after a match. Next season, I aim to follow their suggestion to join managers after games when I can.”

The Italian also admitted his biggest challenge was to get individuals to perform for England as they do for their Premiership clubs.

“There has been a lack of confidence among players. It’s my job to rebuild that. There’s a lot of pressure when playing for your country and this has perhaps weighed down too heavily on some players. We need to free them of that so they can play naturally, without fear.”

“English players have always had a reputation for a great work ethic. But I’ve also been impressed by their level of skill and technique. This combination will help us succeed. I’m certainly very happy with the players I have in the England squad.”

How successful will England be under Fabio Capello? Have you been inspired by his first four games in charge? Can England win the World Cup in 2010?

Let us know your thoughts by leaving a comment in the box below. Alternatively, share your thoughts in the 50connect forums.

Bookmark with:

• Delicious
• Digg
• reddit
• StumbleUpon

Don’t know what this is?

Read the 50connect Guide To Social Bookmarking.