Sport | Football
Capello relishing the challenge at the top
England manager Fabio Capello says that he will leave his World Cup squad selection for some time in mid-May
- By M. Satya Narayan, Senior Reporter and Duane Fonseca, Staff Reporter
- Published: 00:00 March 11, 2010
- Image Credit: Ahmed Kutty, Gulf News
- Fabio Capello with his wife at the Laureus Awards last night. The England manager has worked wonders with the Three Lions since taking over.
Abu Dhabi: "I like challenges and this [leading England to the World Cup] is the most important challenge of my life."
Those were the words of England manager Fabio Capello as he sat on the edge of his seat fielding questions from the press prior to the Laureus World Sports Awards at the Emirates Palace Hotel last night.
England have flourished ever since Capello took over in early 2008, qualifying for this year's World Cup in South Africa in style by winning nine of their 10 qualifying group games. Their sole defeat came against Ukraine — after they secured a spot in the tournament.
History
But Capello now has the weight of a football-crazy nation, which has not won a major trophy since 1966, resting on his shoulders. The former Real Madrid, Juventus and AC Milan manager, though, is relishing the challenge.
"It is always a challenge. The challenge for me is always important. In my age if I don't take challenges I may as well go home. I like challenges and this is the most important challenge of my life," said Capello, 63.
The Italian revealed that he will leave his squad selection for some time in mid-May — after the English clubs have finished with their engagements.
"I think the last Premier League match will be played on May 9 and then the FA Cup final on the 15th. The Uefa Champions League final will be played on May 22 and I hope one of the English teams will be playing there. So the squad will be finalised late."
A poor run of form under Capello's predecessor Steve McClaren saw England missing out on the 2008 European Championships and Capello hopes the team will have the hunger to make amends in South Africa.
"It has been a long time since we've won a tournament and I hope so [that we're hungry]. The other teams are always hungry [at the World Cup] because it is too important a competition for all of the players."
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