Capello has defender on the Up

09 June 2009 08:12
England centre-half Matthew Upson is in no doubt his game has improved under the expert eye of Fabio Capello. The West Ham defender is set to again line up alongside captain John Terry for Wednesday`s qualifier against minnows Andorra at Wembley because of injury to Rio Ferdinand. Upson, who has won 15 caps so far, believes working under an Italian for his country, as well as with Gianfranco Zola at Upton Park, has helped him gain a new perspective. "You can see a lot of traditional ways we have been coached in and the Italy way is different. Fabio is trying to coach that into us," he said. "Positions in defence, where to go when the ball is wide, when to go high up and when not. "Traditionally English players would attack the ball, but he really wants you to get hold of the man - man-mark, if you like. That is more their style. "To start with we were not doing what he wanted, but he has got his point across and I think it has improved me as a centre-half. It has brought my game on."

Source: Eurosport