Capello's Strict New Regime Revealed
Fabio Capello has laid down the law to his players on his first day with England and made sure they know exactly who is boss. One thing is for sure: he doesn't want to be any of their best friends.
zoom - galleria Fans awaiting his team selection for Wednesday's game against Switzerland, but off the field new England manager Fabio Capello is already ringing the changes.
The Italian has introduced a strict new regime to keep the players in check and ensure discipline is retained.
Rules, Rules, Rules
As players assembled at the team hotel in Watford they were confronted with a noticeboard instructing them that lateness would never be tolerated, room service was out of bounds and mobile phones were not to be used outside of their bedrooms.
The Blazer Family
Capello is reportedly keen to fashion a well-drilled unit off the pitch in the hope that it breeds structure and discipline on it.
Players must now always eat together in smart dress, and have been told to always wear team blazers in public when on duty with England.
No More JT
Like predecessor McClaren, Capello has kept a strict no-WAGS or agents policy. But McClaren's oft-criticised habit of referring to 'JT' and 'Stevie G' is definitely out - all players will now be called by their surnames.
Manchester United's Rio Ferdinand commented: “He calls me and a lot of the other players by our surnames. His coaching staff call us by surname as well. That’s the way it is.
"The (Beckham) decision proved there is no sentiment about the boss," added the defender. "Nine out of 10 others would probably have picked him but this manager has made his decision and it’s not our place to question that or react to it.
"We’re not here to worry about anyone else’s feelings. We’re here to be part of a successful team. It’s his job to pick the squad and if we’re going to be successful we will live or die by his decisions.”
Gerrard: Capello's Not Our Friend
Liverpool's Steven Gerrard added: "Fabio is keeping us all on our toes. As long as there is a big respect between the manager and his players, I don’t think it’s important he’s not close to us. It’s not about enjoying yourself with the manager, it’s about seriousness and getting results in an England shirt.”
Goal.com UK
