Capello yet to decide on captain

03 October 2010 08:47
Fabio Capello has still to decide whether to reinstate injury-hit Rio Ferdinand as England captain for the Euro 2012 qualifier with Montenegro.[LNB] But the Italian stressed the importance of players being fit "for a lot of games" - which could count against Ferdinand for the game at Wembley on October 12.[LNB]Ferdinand has already lost the Manchester United captaincy to Nemanja Vidic after a series of setbacks have curtailed his appearances for the Red Devils.[LNB]Now he must wait to find out whether Steven Gerrard will retain the armband for England after impressing and leading by example as Ferdinand's replacement in his absence.[LNB]Ferdinand was named as John Terry's replacement earlier this year but he suffered a knee problem which forced his withdrawal from the World Cup before England launched their ill-fated campaign.[LNB]Gerrard was one of the few England players to emerge with much credit from South Africa and has impressed in the flying start to the Euro 2012 qualifying group.[LNB]Back injury victim Ferdinand played in Manchester United's Champions League win in Valencia but has to convince Capello he should remain as his on-field lieutenant.[LNB]When asked whether Ferdinand would be captain if available, Capello said: "I will decide after seeing which players are fit.[LNB]"I haven't decided. I can't speak about who will be captain. I hope all the players will be fit and then I will announce it.[LNB]"Why not Ferdinand? No, no no. Wait. I can't speak about if, if, if..."[LNB]Regarding the change of skipper at Old Trafford, Capello said: "I think Sir Alex decided on one player that played more games (Vidic) and be sure he is always fit. I think so.[LNB]"It is important always that the players have to be fit for a lot of games."[LNB]Gerrard has created a favourable impression with Capello and was his first England captain for the friendly with Switzerland in February 2008.[LNB]He said: "Gerrard is a really good captain. He is captain of Liverpool, and he always plays like a leader on the pitch."[LNB]Capello is slowly building his reputation with victories over Bulgaria and Switzerland in the opening two Euro 2012 qualifiers.[LNB]But he is adamant there will be no reversal of his decision to end his England tenure after the 2012 finals - even if they win the tournament.[LNB]He said: "Will anything change my mind? No. I've decided. It is not a problem if we win or lose (in 2012).[LNB]"I've decided. I think after four years, one World Cup, not good results, one Euro, is enough. It is good experience for a manager."[LNB]Capello will also play no part in appointing his successor and has no hard and fast opinions on whether his replacement should be English.[LNB]He said: "Will I decide who replaces me? Absolutely not. It will be a new era.[LNB]"I am asked should the next manager be English but it is the decision of the FA.[LNB]"I think in England there are good managers - but the FA has to decide about this."

Source: Team_Talk