Capello warned as FA mull Italian’s future
ENGLAND manager Fabio Capello has been accused of undermining the future captain of the national side before he has even begun the task of determining a suitable replacement for John Terry.
Capello is set for crisis talks with the Football Association later this week after he publically criticised the governing body’s decision to relieve Terry of the captaincy – an outburst which threatens to bring about a premature end to his four-year tenure.
The FA are understood to be examining if Capello’s outburst means he is in breach of contract, but should he avoid the sack the Italian must embark on the process of selecting the fourth permanent captain of his reign.
But former England manager Graham Taylor believes whoever is chosen cannot possibly feel comfortable in the role knowing Terry remains Capello’s preference.
“Whoever he makes as captain knows that he is not the manager’s choice,” said Taylor. “That in itself doesn’t help the dressing room. I can’t see what Capello’s agenda is. All it does is disturb everything even more.
“To come out in this public fashion actually, in one respect, gives England an even bigger problem for the selection and harmony of the squad for the European Championships.”
Capello reacted angrily after the FA informed him of their decision to sack Terry following last week’s announcement that the Chelsea skipper’s criminal trial, which sees him accused of racially abusing QPR’s Anton Ferdinand – a charge which he denies – has been adjourned until July, crucially after the European Championships.
The 65-year-old gave an indication he was intent on remaining as England manager by attending last night’s Premier League match between Liverpool and Spurs.
TIMELINE
Nov ‘11: Capello picks Terry despite FA and police probes into allegations he aimed racial abuse at Anton Ferdinand
1 Feb: Terry trial is adjourned until July, raising likelihood of him leading England into this summer’s Euro 2012 finals
3 Feb: FA chiefs strip Terry of the captaincy, insisting it is not judgment of guilt and that he is still free to play
5 Feb: Capello reveals he is at odds with FA over Terry, saying he absolutely disagrees with captaincy removal
6 Feb: Former FA chief David Davies says Capello’s public criticism of his paymasters could be breach of contract