Fabio Capello tells Italian radio station: I always dreamed of managing England

21 September 2009 17:40
England boss Fabio Capello today sang the praises of Chelsea's Carlo Ancelotti and congratulated his own squad for reaching next summer's World Cup Finals. Capello, speaking live on an Italian radio sports show, also complimented referees in England, hinting they were far better than the ones he had left behind in Serie A. In a wide-ranging interview he also spoke of his delight at managing the Three Lions and stressed they had as good a chance as anyone to win the World Cup in South Africa. Capello said: 'Winning eight games out of eight and qualifying with two games to spare is a great achievement but it was not easy. 'We started off with a handicap as we had not qualified for the European Championships. 'I had always dreamed of managing the England squad and it was always my goal although I would even have been happy with a club side. 'The Italian national team was never something that appealed to me. I never had that desire maybe it's because I like going abroad and doing something different. 'Certainly England is one of the best prepared teams going to South Africa and one who can make a good impression by maintaining the same humility and determination they have shown in qualification. 'We can play anyone. Other favourites would be Brazil, Germany, Italy, Argentina and Spain.' Then speaking of his fellow countryman at Stamford Bridge, Capello said: 'Carlo is doing a great job - he also has had to deal with a side that had lost some of its motivation and he has managed to take them back to the level where they were with Mourinho. 'Now they are very dangerous in the Champions League, they have excellent players but above all he has regained some of the spirit that had been lost with previous managers.' Speaking of Italian coaches in England he added: 'We are doing some good work. At first there were some doubts over us everyone thought we would be playing a catenaccio (defensive) game but instead that has proved to be not true. 'We are showing that we know how to adapt to quality and the local game and above all we know some tactics and this is something that managers in some countries lack.' Turning to referees in the Premiership he said that unlike Italy: 'They very rarely whistle a penalty for a little foul. The crowd don't accept the game being interrupted by the referee. 'Here you have to play well but you also have to play with courage and the winner is the team that has more courage.' Capello also said that he had discussed LA Galaxy player David Beckham's club future and said: 'He has told me he has various possibilities but nothing has been decided yet.'

Source: Daily_Mail