Source: SKY_Sports
Upson likens Zola to Capello
Matthew Upson has compared his West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola with England boss Fabio Capello. [LNB] The defender has been called up to Capello's squad for the friendly against Slovakia at the weekend and the World Cup qualifier against Ukraine at Wembley on Wednesday.[LNB]The 29-year-old is a keen admirer of both Italians and believes that they share the same tactical nous that stands them apart from their managerial counterparts.[LNB]The former Arsenal centre-back highlights that the two have similar characters and both emphasise the importance of keeping possession of the ball.[LNB]"There are a lot of similarities in their character and the way they view football," he told the FA's official website.[LNB]"They definitely have a real tactical knowledge. Italian football is more tactical than the hustle and bustle of English football.[LNB]"Both managers have brought tactical awareness to their teams and that will make us better structured teams.[LNB]Pass and move"At the top level that is the only way you can play football. Zola was a flair player and loved passing and moving the ball. Playing with Fabio Capello it is the same thing. [LNB]"If we don't have the ball we have a good shape and are hard to break down."[LNB]Robert Green and Carlton Cole are the other two Hammers players in Capello's squad and Upson highlights that it carries on a famous West Ham tradition of having players associated with the England set-up.[LNB]"It's massive and something West Ham are very proud of," he added.[LNB]"When the country last won the World Cup there was a big West Ham influence so the club has always carried that and it is very positive to have three players in the current squad."[LNB]England last hosted the World Cup in 1966 and with the country bidding to host the 2018 tournament Upson has firmly backed the initiative.[LNB]"It's something overdue for this country to host again," he said. "The structure is here to host the World Cup so I can't think of a better venue."[LNB]ImprovementWith England welcoming Slovakia to Wembley on Saturday the Hammers defender is all too aware of the need to put on a show for the fans.[LNB]The national side have not always performed at their best in front of their own supporters and at times have been booed off by the crowd. [LNB]"A lot of people have said that perhaps we haven't performed as well as we should at the new Wembley and they've probably got a right to say it," he agreed.[LNB]"I think it's up to us to understand why we haven't performed and put that right and get some really good team performances and good results there.[LNB]"We really need to work to bring that level of performance from our away games back to Wembley."[LNB]
