8 May 2008
VIDEO: Fabio's thoughts
England Manager Fabio Capello speaks about player development and the Premier League.

Fabio Capello believes that the all-English Champions League Final between Manchester United and Chelsea proves the Premier League is amongst the best in the world – but admits it doesn’t necessarily make his job any easier.

The England manager is relishing the prospect of seeing some of his biggest stars play in the Moscow Final on 21 May, with the likes of John Terry, Joe Cole and Frank Lampard going head-to-head with Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand and Owen Hargreaves.

But as England prepare for two friendly matches later this month against the United States and Trinidad, while the rest of Europe prepares for Euro 2008, it may not necessarily translate into international success just yet.

“This is my toughest job, understanding why this happens and solving the problem,” said Capello, who was speaking at a question and answer session organised by England team sponsors Nationwide Building Society recently.

“This is the problem that all my predecessors have had. I’m hoping I will be able to understand why and rectify it.

“Because looking at the performance of the English teams in the Champions League, then at the moment the Premier League is the best in the world. Absolutely.”

Perhaps the biggest problem for Capello is that with so many foreign stars in the Premiership he has a very small pool of players to choose from - even if the likes of Rooney and Co are playing at the highest level.

“I can’t perform miracles, these are the players we have and I can only call up the players we have," said Capello. "Creating new players is a long process, it takes a lot of time and you need talent to begin with. It’s not going to be fast.

“People talk about introducing quotas of foreign players but it’s not for me to decide, irrespective of what my thoughts are on the matter.

“The situation we have at the moment in Europe with the free circulation of workers means there’s not going to be any restrictions, whether we want them or not.

“Of course the more English players there are playing for English clubs, the better it is for me. But at the same time it’s good to see that the good English players tend to play for the good English teams irrespective of the number of foreign players here. The quality comes out."

Capello is confident he can solve the conundrum of why English players play so well in Europe but never win trophies with their country. But it is such a massive job he sees it as his last – having signed a two-and-a-half year contract with the possibility of a further two-year extension.

He said: “I have enjoyed managing all the teams I’ve managed. I have great memories of my time at Roma, Juventus, Milan and Real Madrid. Each one of them has been a challenge. But I look at this as my last, my final challenge.”

Not all the problems in English football are at international level, however. Capello is also concerned by the growing problem with players who dive in domestic football, both at home and in Europe.

Having grown up in the tough tradition of Italian defending he isn’t adverse to a physical challenge or the odd tactical block. But he hates the idea of anyone deliberately cheating the referee and has backed The FA’s ‘Respect’ campaign.

“What I don’t like in the slightest is reckless tackles and dangerous play that can cause injury to players.

“And what I like even less is simulation and diving because this is deliberately trying to cheat the referee, and to cheat the fans. I really don’t like it when players who dive get a reward in terms of a penalty or goal. It really should have no part in the game.”

The England manager, renowned as a tough disciplinarian, has also told his own players they must behave themselves off the pitch if they want to be part of his England revolution.

He said:  “I believe players off the field should behave decently and normally and not do things that create problems and headlines.

“Normally I’m not influenced by their behaviour off the field, but obviously if some player were to do something particularly big or out of the ordinary I would have to consider my actions.”

So far Fabio has had a mixed start to his career at Soho Square. England beat Switzerland in his first match in charge and then lost to France in their second, but the Italian believes progress is being made.

“I met the France manager just the other day in Barcelona and we talked about the match we played last month," he said. 

"He told me we played very well in the first half, which I completely agree with. That’s why I said we made a great improvement. Of course in the second half I wanted to see other players play in an important match with strong opposition.”

David Beckham earned his 100th cap in that match and Capello has promised the LA Galaxy star he can remain in his plans if he continues to perform at the right level.

It means Becks could be on course to catch Peter Shilton’s record haul of 125 caps – especially as England have two friendlies next month and World Cup qualifiers to play next season.

Capello said: “Beckham played because he deserved to play, not to get his 100th cap. I know what he can give me and I know what he can give England. And if he keeps on doing it, I see no reason why he can’t play.”

From this season, Nationwide are offering their international football tickets, VIP opportunities, mascots, signed shirts and training sessions back to customers through the 'Sponsored by you' campaign.  Visit sponsoredbyyou.com for the chance to win these prizes.