Source: Team_Talk
Carra defends under-fire Capello
iverpool defender Jamie Carragher has jumped to Fabio Capello's defence after the England boss attracted more World Cup criticism. [LNB] Capello blamed England's last-16 exit in South Africa on tiredness and the mindset of the players, but admitted he was uncertain how the problems could be resolved, prompting further uncertainty over his competence as manager. [LNB]However Carragher, who retired from the international stage for a second time after returning to play for Capello at the World Cup, says the players are largely responsible for England's failure.[LNB]"I would never criticise Fabio because he has done too much in the game and if he stopped being a manager tomorrow he would go down in history as one of the great managers," said Carragher.[LNB]"I always find it hard when players criticise managers because we've never been managers ourselves.[LNB]"We all realise what comes with playing for England - it's massive - and when something goes wrong everyone jumps on it.[LNB]"Obviously the World Cup didn't go well but the players have to look at themselves and say we didn't perform as we can."[LNB]Carragher, whose Anfield team-mates Steven Gerrard and Glen Johnson have been retained by Capello for England's friendly against Hungary on Wednesday, believes the manager was right to keep high-profile players such as John Terry and Frank Lampard in the squad for the Wembley clash. [LNB]"There are still five or six top players we have got," he added.[LNB]"They get a lot of criticism but they are some of the top players in the world and that is why they are still there."
