Capello Admits “I Know Nothing” Ahead Of Qualifier

Oh dear, oh dear. It appears the England manager is a little naive when it comes to the concept of ‘support’ in this country.

Fabio Capello has said he’s not exactly overwhelmed when it comes to the outpourings of love from England fans during his short reign so far. And despite the lavish 90,000-seater stadium our internationals now have the honour of playing in, Capello would apparently prefer the romance of days gone by.

Capello says “I remember the old Wembley where the crowd helped the team a lot. When we have played here, after 20 or 25 minutes we have had some problems.” That’s nothing to do with the stadium though is it? That’s just a sign of the times.

Expectations are higher in these days of £150,000 a week contracts. If these players can blow the opposition away for their clubs, the expectation is that they should do the same for their country. Even sitting in a stadium which really is one to be proud of doesn’t appease those who’ve taken out a second mortgage to eat and drink in it, if what’s being served up on the pitch barely whets the appetite.

So it doesn’t really matter where we play, it just matters that we play – well.

But fear not, because Capello has promised England will put on their ‘most convincing performance’ under his management so far against Kazakhstan today. I know, I know, enough to make us giddy isn’t it?!

However, he counters that little promise with the admission that he’s not exactly clued up for this one, stating “It’s not an easy game. They’ve got a new manager and he has changed seven players. I studied their team – and I know nothing!” So that’s reassuring!

Anyway, despite this admission – and the fact we could be mortifyingly disappointed today – the England manager goes on “There is a big expectation on us but that is normal for an England team. I hope the crowd helps us. If it is not possible to score goals early, we need patience.”

Let’s hope he ain’t holding his breath eh?