There's only one Fab Capello!
Fabio Capello will be unveiled as the new England manager later today. BBC sports editor Mihir Bose says the 61-year-old Italian has been offered a four-year deal worth £4m a year.
Steve McClaren's dismissal on November 22nd, following England's failure to qualify for Euro 2008, has resulted in a frantic search by the FA for a new man for the role. With various names from throughout Europe being mentioned, it was Jose Mourinho who seemed to be favourite. Earlier this week however, Mourinho turned down the opportunity stating "After serious thought, I decided to exclude myself despite it being a fantastic position. I'm sure the FA will hire a great manager, one able to place the team back where it belongs."
Now, after meeting with FA chief executive Brian Barwick and director of football Sir Trevor Brooking, 61 year old Italian Fabio Capello has been offered the role and is expected to be confirmed as manager later today.
Capello, former manager of club sides AC Milan, Real Madrid, Juventus and Roma is famed for having won the domestic league title at each of the clubs he managed. Having won 9 league championships out of his 16 seasons as a manager and the Champions League in 2004, Capello certainly has the credentials.
After Steve McClaren's timid spell as England manager, the public has largely called for a renowned manager who would be able to select players based on merit as opposed to personality or reputation. In this regard, Capello may well be the best choice. At his time as a coach in Italy, he held public feuds with Italian superstars Francesco Totti and Alessandro del Piero, despite protests from fans. Whilst at Real Madrid, he refused to play Ronaldo or David Beckham for large parts of the season, yet went on to claim the league title.
It's undoubtedly time for a shake up in the England team and only time will tell if Capello is able to achieve what we all hope.
