Source: Daily_Mail
WORLD CUP 2010: Fabio Capello blames ball for Robert Green howler in USA draw
Fabio Capello is planning to make his goalkeepers sweat again this week - but the good news for Robert Green is that the England manager blames the ball more than him for Saturday's howler against the USA. [LNB]Capello's players would prefer to see the Italian name his team earlier than two hours before meeting Algeria in Cape Town on Friday. [LNB] Green at peace: England's goalkeeper is in contention for the game against Algeria despite this howler against the USA [LNB]But sources insist the manager has no intention of changing an approach he feels has proved successful for him, even after the criticism he has received for putting undue pressure on Green. [LNB]Unless he suddenly decides otherwise, it means that Green, Joe Hart and David James have to train this week not knowing if they will be playing in a World Cup game England now have to win. [LNB]But it emerged last night that Capello is far more critical of the adidas Jabulani ball than any mistake Green might have made when he allowed Clint Dempsey's shot to spin off his gloves and cross the line. [LNB]Last-minute decision: Capello won't reveal his goalkeeping decision to the England team until two hours before kick-off on Friday [LNB]Capello is understood to be frustrated by the fact that his players have had less time with the ball than other countries, Germany among them, and believes his keeper was a victim of the controversial ball.[LNB] While Capello refused to publicly back Green, instead stating that he wanted to see if the incident had affected the West Ham keeper 'psychologically' before making a decision, his take on the USA's equaliser will encourage the 30-year-old. [LNB]The Italian praised Green for the save he made in the second half to deny Jozy Altidore and the squad have been impressed by his demeanour this week. [LNB]While no pressure is put on players to see England team psychologist Christian Lattanzio, it has been noted that Green has not sought his help since the weekend even though Lattanzio was a 'mental strength' coach at West Ham. [LNB]Green is understood to have worked with another sports psychologist, Michael Griffiths, who was introduced to him by clubmate and England colleague Matthew Upson. [LNB]Yesterday Upson said: 'Rob's been exceptional. He's tough. He's coped brilliantly. It's behind him, he knows what he's got to do. He's a big boy. He'll accept all the headlines and the hounding he's been getting. You have to get your concrete head on and do whatever to focus on performing well on Friday. He's desperate to play. He doesn't want to hide. He hasn't hidden since the mistake. [LNB] Bouncing back: Matthew Upson has lauded his West Ham team-mate's mentality [LNB]'In the second half, his focus was really good which is testament to him mentally. 'You've seen those incidents happen before and the rest of the game has been a write-off for people. That wasn't the case for him. [LNB]'And possibly the manager will see that. He'll realise he's coped with it and moved on.' [LNB]It is understood that new West Ham boss Avram Grant has also contacted Green to offer encouragement.[LNB] There was a real siege mentality in the England camp yesterday after Franz Beckenbauer declared them a 'kick and rush team' who had 'gone backwards'. [LNB]Coaching staff think it could be part of a strategy to unsettle England ahead of a possible last 16 clash. 'Maybe they are scared,' said an insider. [LNB] WORLD CUP 2010: England's forgotten man, Matthew Upson, is ready to answer Fabio Capello's call WORLD CUP 2010: Relax, Gareth Barry is back in time to bring best out of England England 1 USA 1: I didn't make any mistakes against USA, insists FabioBack to business for blunder keeper Green as rivals step up bid for jersey [LNB]
