Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Fabio Capello: Heskey Fit & 'No Sympathy' In Beckham Selection

Fabio Capello is relishing the prospect of facing Spain with a fit squad on Wednesday evening, and also thinks that the rejuvenated David Beckham is better suited to Serie A than the less challenging surroundings of the MLS.

Speaking at a press conference in front of the Sky Sports cameras, the urbane Italian also clarified the injury situation in his squad currently, saying, "We have a little problem with Heskey, but I think today he's training and will be fit for tomorrow.

"The other players will be okay."

As for the challenge posed by facing the Euro 2008 winners, Capello was viewing this as a good opportunity to test his side against one of the best teams in the world.

"It will be a very interesting game for me because we play against the European champions," he said, before explaining that the style of the Spaniards would be completely different to England's other recent friendly opponents, Germany.

"The style of the two teams is completely different," he explained.

"The style of Spain is to have long possession of the ball and technically fantastic players."

The Italian also asserted that Spain's midfield was "one of the best midfield's in the world" and that in order to compete successfully against them, his own players would need to apply "pressure" and retain the ball

The coach also explained that it was "not for sympathy" that he made his decision to recall David Beckham to the national colours, though he appeared politely relieved that the iconic midfielder was playing in a European league once more.

"I choose the best players in the best form," Capello stated. "Now he's [Beckham] playing, he's here."

And the Italian went on to say that "it is for David Beckham to choose" whether to move from LA Galaxy to AC Milan, hinting that he feels the MLS is too weak a competition for ‘Becks’ to be playing in.

Capello refused to be drawn on the issue of Guus Hiddink jointly managing Chelsea and Russia, asserting, "Chelsea's problem is not my problem. I prefer to think about one job, not two jobs."

He also refused to be drawn on the issue of potential racist behaviour at the game, which marred the occasion the last time these two sides met in Spain, confidently concluding, "The Spanish people are not racist."

Zack Wilson, Goal.com




Rumors from overseas surround Galaxy
Arena: Beckham won’t be distraction
Capello: Spain Are The Best National Team At The Moment