Capello happy with Rooney

27 March 2009 14:08
England head coach Fabio Capello insists he has no problems with Wayne Rooney's temperament and is happy with his level of aggression.[LNB] Rooney was criticised last weekend for hurling the ball aggressively late on in Manchester United's 2-0 defeat at Fulham, an act that saw him collect a second yellow card.[LNB]The 23-year-old was still fuming as he departed the field and lashed out at the corner flag, raising question marks over his temperament ahead of England's crucial World Cup qualifier against Ukraine.[LNB]It was not the first time Rooney's aggression has caused an adverse reaction. However, Capello has since spoken with the Red Devils ace and hopes for a more balanced player in the future after their chat.[LNB]Very good player"For me Rooney is a very good player. He's young. Sometimes his reaction is not so good, but he's a good player and a good man," he said on Sky Sports News.[LNB]"I think at this moment he was a little angry because they were losing and he was red-carded. That's why he did this. But there's no problem with Rooney in the future.[LNB]"I spoke with him. I'm very happy after I spoke. Sometimes we need to be a little bit aggressive during the game. I hope the level of aggression will be balanced.[LNB]"This is very important. I'm sure he'll play very, very well with us. We want the team to be aggressive. Good aggression."[LNB]Capello branded Rooney a 'crazy man' following his sending off at Craven Cottage, but he says the player understood that the remark was a joke.[LNB]"I said it, but it was a joke. He understood that it was a joke," he continued.[LNB]"I was a player and sometimes I did the same. It depends on the moment, the score, the opponents, a lot of things."[LNB]Gerrard behind the strikerSteven Gerrard's form for Liverpool has brought widespread praise and it has been suggested he be played as a second striker, as he does under Rafa Benitez, for England.[LNB]However, Capello is unhappy that after playing Gerrard behind a lone striker against France, he was then blasted by the media for not playing two up front.[LNB]"I like this question because when I put Gerrard as the second forward against France all the journalists told me 'why do you only play one forward?' and now you're saying I have to put Gerrard into the same position.[LNB]"When I did you criticised me and now you ask me to put Gerrard in his best position. I hope tomorrow he'll play in the best position."[LNB]David Beckham is set to win his 109th cap, a record for an outfield player, against Slovakia on Saturday and Capello is thrilled with the former captain's form following his loan switch to AC Milan.[LNB]"This is a very good time for Beckham. I watched his last two matches for AC Milan. He's in good form, he's always starting.[LNB]"I've checked him here in training and it's a very good moment for him."[LNB]

Source: SKY_Sports