Capello will find he needs to tackle the individualistic pursuit of glory that some players seem to exhibit and turn it into a flowing team performance. Taking control of the changing room and showing that he is the boss is the key. England’s previous two managers, Sven Goran Eriksson and Steve McLaren, never seemed to be able to prevent the players playing for themselves instead of the team, with alleged dressing room unrest and a number of outspoken autobiographies as just a couple of issues.
In order to make the players see that he means business, he will have to shake up the squad by introducing new faces and removing those who simply haven’t performed. He has the strength of character to drop star players but also the humility to recall them when he feels he needs them, perfectly illustrated by his treatment of Beckham in last year’s race for the Spanish League title.
He also has the advantage of being entirely new to English football. Like Sven Goran Eriksson did when he took charge, Capello can take a fresh look at the talent available to him and bring in players on form and not those who are there because they always have been.
The England job is the hardest in football and it is unsurprising that so many are quick to count themselves out, but in the aftermath of McLaren’s sorry exit Capello was quick to show his interest.
Why would a man who could retire happily and watch younger men like McLaren fail want to step in? The simple truth is Capello is everything McLaren wasn’t.
His age only translates to experience and wisdom, which is in turn transformed into respect. Even the most egotistical player in the England squad would struggle not to feel intimidated when entering a dressing room for the first time to train or play under Capello. Even his supposed lack of English language skills cannot stop his squad knowing and understanding where he has been, what he has achieved and where he wants to take them, his record translates in any language. He does not want to be their friend he just wants to do his job in his own way. He is used to the big stage and getting the performance he needs from his players at the right time, something McLaren was never able to do.
What is more, he is a man who not only wants the job but would enter into it knowing he has nothing to prove and nothing to lose. With 61 years behind him and a stack of medals in his trophy cabinet he is entirely ready for the job.
In the past, the FA have appointed young visionaries, established pragmatists, foreign strategists, and feeble yes-men and all have failed to deliver. Now it seems they are looking to turn to someone whose age only works in his favor, whose ruthlessness is a blessing, and whose success demands the utmost respect.
When most men his age are taking their foot off the pedal, Capello is shifting up a gear and pulling into the fast lane with plenty left in the tank. With an attitude like this England’s team may yet enjoy that sixties spirit once again.
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