Signs of Madness, Or: Capello Wants the England Gig
By: Martha | November 22nd, 2007
According to the bookies, Jose Mourinho is the most likely man to take over the newly vacant England job (Nooooooooo!), but further down the list, at 14-1, is one Fabio Capello, a man who has actually said he’s interested in the job.
In case you needed more evidence, here’s the final proof that Capello is out of his damn mind — is there a more thankless international coaching gig than England’s? Italy’s, maybe, but I think it’s a push — both countries have completely insane expectations for their teams (at least Italy have a handful of trophies to justify the pressure), both have rabid press corps just waiting for failure, and anything but first is pretty much unacceptable, no matter how tall the odds or how mighty the opposition. And poor England go into every tournament saying they’re the best squad since 1966, even when they’re not (they never are), utterly doomed from the start. Like in Italy, if you don’t bring home the Cup, you’re not good enough.
So, basically, anyone who takes the gig is either mad or an egomaniac — both would be ideal (which explains why Mourinho is the favorite). In addition to ably filling both of those requirements, Capello also has buckets of experience and will surely be interviewed by the FA. If nothing else, a trip to England and photos of him in the paper will make him feel hugely important, and he’s sure to wow the Men in Suits with his impressive combination of bluster and knowledge; it wouldn’t surprise me a bit of he ends up on their shortlist and actually takes the gig, should it be offered him. If nothing else, it’s sure to make for a ton of fantastic quotes.
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Comments
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The England job has to be the worst job in football, and anyone who takes it must be out of their mind. I can see why Capello would put himself forward as his club football record is second to none and I’m sure he would like to add international experience to his CV – to enchance his ego if nothing else as Martha says. However, the groans going around England currently at the thought of his dour methods of playing football are second only to the groans eminating around the country following last night’s dire showing. Mourinho’s style of football isn’t much better …. but at least he is something handsome to look at on the touchline. Dark days ahead in England, me-thinks.
Posted from
United States
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Although I agree that the England job sucks, with the unrealistic expectations of a team that really doesn’t win all that often under anyone. But this might be a good time to take it. Anyone who comes in and wins their first few friendlies will be seen as the hero that replaced the bumbling McClaren. Granted, the first loss will put them right back in the firing line, but England’s expectations might be at their all-time low point right now. Whoever takes the job will have a better time with it than McClaren did, especially since WC qualifying is easier than Euro for the top teams.
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United States -
I think Don Fabio with assistant coach Zola would be wonderful for England. Who cares about joga bonito! It’s all about results. I think Capello could handle the dressing room egos and bring glory to the Three Lions.
Posted from
United States -
Looks like the British pride starts to wane due to accumulated frustration. They used to accuse Italians as bunch of cheaters and divers. Now, their players have to bow down to the authority namely an Italian coach. What a shame !
Posted from
Singapore -
On an added note, for those that watched the Italy-Faroe Island game on RAI, Capello made those declarations during the match commentary (namely “”It would be a beautiful challenge,” and “I am the right age”). And in case you weren’t sure of that info Martha, yes: he’s planned a trip to London over the next 2 days.
I think we might be in for a sensational piece of news over the week-end.
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United States -
England would hate to hire Capello. If he gets good results, the men in mince pie land won’t be able to partake in their favorite pastime: bashing Italians.
Kidding aside, Capello would bring a defensive approach to England. It’s what they need to better protect their shaky goalkeepers and compensate for the fact that they lack top class creativity, pace and technical skill, despite what their media says about their attack. Capello would bring more of a hard-ass attitude, too, and the players would look at him as man to be feared, not liked, such as was the case with the dandy McClaren. A healthy bit of fear of the coach would do England’s egomanical stars a bit of good.
Personally, I’d hate to see Capello coaching England. They might start winning a few matches if he did.Posted from
United States -
Marco, I think that’s really the only time he’s talked about it — seems to be the quote in most of the British press, at least.
And mctalian, you’re about the fifth person I’ve talked to who’s expressed exactly those sentiments — “please no, because he’ll make them better.”
Posted from
United States -
lol Martha I’m not surprised.
Posted from
United States
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