Fabio's thoughts
Tuesday, 25 May, 2010
Manager reveals words were had at half time against Mexico.
Click here to watch highlights of the game on FATV.
Fabio Capello watched his England side sign off their campaign at Wembley with a 3-1 win against Mexico on Monday evening and whilst he was pleased with the result, he admits there were still one or two issues which he had to address.
The Mexicans arrived at Wembley on the back of a good run and a convincing record in qualifying for the World Cup themselves, so it was never going to be an easy test for Capello’s team on a balmy night at Wembley.
Despite taking a two goal lead, and then coming in for half-time at 2-1, Capello revealed he had to re-inforce his ideas to the players at the break, resulting in an improved second half display.
"I'm happy with the result, but I had to speak to the players at half time,” said Capello.
“We have to press more. Not all the teams we play against will play like Mexico, this was a different style.
"I knew Mexico are good in possession, technically. They are faster than us and it was not easy to win back the ball quickly.
"But for me it's always very important to press the ball and win it back quickly.
"I spoke with the players and said what they had to do.”
Capello now takes his squad back to Austria on Wednesday for more high altitude training and a final warm-up game with Japan on Sunday, ahead of naming his final World Cup squad next Tuesday.
With all of that taken into account, Capello has already shifted his thoughts away from Monday's game and onto the future.
"We are focused on the first game in the World Cup against the USA, I am not concerned by tonight,” he added.
"It was really important to know where we are now, physically and mentally, after a long season.”
Capello was also pleased with some of the individual performances on the night, with goalkeeper Rob Green having to be at his sharpest in the first half before Joe Hart took the gloves for the second half and kept a clean sheet.
"I'm happy with the performance of Green, he saved twice one-on-one,” he admitted.
"And also Hart played well at Wembley with confidence. That's important for us and for England.”