WORLD CUP 2010 NEWS:ENGLAND'S WORLD Cup campaign ended on a suitably farcical note last night after the Football Association refused to offer Fabio Capello its backing and left its manager dangling, with a decision not due on his future for at least another two weeks.
Capello and his squad were due to touch down at Heathrow this morning following their 4-1 World Cup second-round defeat by Germany in Bloemfontein on Sunday, with one of the most decorated managers in the modern game effectively, and humiliatingly, in limbo. The Italian made it clear yesterday in talks with Dave Richards, the chairman of Club England and his line manager, that he would not resign. An immediate show of support from his employer was not forthcoming.
Instead Richards said while the FA acknowledged Capello’s considerable success in steering England to South Africa following their failure to qualify for Euro 2008, there should now be a period of reflection in which to assess the team’s performance in the finals.
“I’d prefer to stay as England manager, but this is a good decision,” said Capello when asked if he minded being made to wait until mid-July to find out about his future. “It is an intelligent answer. I respect their decision.”
The Italian is due to leave for a holiday later today, with the hiatus allowing any suitors a chance to make their interest in the 64-year-old known. The financial reality appears to be that the FA is not in a position to sack Capello, having removed a break clause in his four-year contract that would have permitted a parting of the ways after the tournament. Terminating the remainder of his deal would make the FA liable for some €12.3 million in compensation.
Whether a compromise could be reached on a pay-off is unclear. The FA sent out mixed messages yesterday, saying Capello should be recognised as “a manager with one of the most successful records in world football, and who is under contract until 2012”.
That does not sit easily with its unwillingness to confirm that his future lies with England. The FA will gauge public opinion but could also scrutinise any alternative candidates.
Roy Hodgson and Harry Redknapp – the latter effectively declared some level of interest yesterday by saying that “we have to find an English manager, and I’m English” – have been mentioned.
Capello, who has won Serie A five times, said he rejected offers to return to club management, one, reportedly, from Internazionale last month. He said his record as England’s coach should not be judged purely on the shambolic display against Germany.
“I have received lots of offers to be the manager of clubs again, at important clubs, [but] I like this job,” he said. “It’s not about the money. It’s about the value of the man. But I will accept the FA’s decision.”
Guardian Service
