Capello cools Chelsea talk

Former England manager Fabio Capello has stressed his commitment to Russia's World Cup campaign and has no knowledge of any interest from Chelsea.

Last Updated: 21/03/13 at 21:57 Post Comment   

Fabio Capello: Has brushed off Chelsea talk

Fabio Capello: Has brushed off Chelsea talk

The Italian is among a number of coaches who have been linked with the Stamford Bridge hot-seat in the summer, when interim boss Rafael Benitez will leave the club.

But he is currently employed by the Russian FA and has made a strong start, topping Group F with four consecutive wins on the road to Rio.

His pay packet, a reported £7million a year, is also a hefty incentive to remain in Moscow.

Capello's side take on Northern Ireland on Friday night before decamping to London for a friendly with Brazil on Monday.

That takes place at Stamford Bridge, of all places, but the Italian did his best to dampen any speculation.

"I know nothing about this (link to Chelsea). I am really happy with Russia and focused to qualify for the World Cup," he said.

Capello was not interested in discussing the Blues job any further, instead turning his attention to the inhospitable conditions in Belfast.

Russia are well used to the chilling temperatures forecast at Windsor Park on Friday, but Capello is mostly concerned about the strong wind he experienced at today's training session.

"I am not concerned about the pitch, more about the wind than the pitch," he said. "If we play in this wind it will be a difficult game.

"I hope the wind will be lower or it will be a different type of game."

Stir

Capello caused a stir when Michael O'Neill's side visited Moscow when he appeared to treat victory as a formality prior to the match.

A 2-0 win duly followed but his tone was more respectful on Thursday.

"They are a strong team and play a really combative game," he said.

"They are dangerous from set-pieces. It is not an easy game but I have confidence in my team.

"We have Portugal and Israel to come but I am focused on this game. Every game is difficult."

Related News

Sky Bet

    • Retrieving latest Sky Bet odds

Most Commented

Readers' Comments

I

m curious as to what image Real Madrid are trying to re-establish as I always thought their pre-Jose image was one of a bunch of a classless bullies tapping up whoever they wanted while living it large on borrowed money they're never going to pay back.

john matrix
Perez Will Spend Big To Forget Jose...

A

t the start of the season, after the RVP transfer, I confidently claimed that Arsenal would finish above United. I now regret it immensely.

Fuzzy_Dunlop
Reflecting On The F365 Pre-Season Predictions

D

aniel Storey generally did very well, going against the City won it last year so they're bound to win it this time grain. As for John Nicholson, I wouldn't trust him to predict correctly what day of the week it will be tomorrow.

Griff
Reflecting On The F365 Pre-Season Predictions

Footer 365

Bastian Schweinsteiger: Mario Gotze's absence crucial

Bastian Schweinsteiger believes the absence of Mario Gotze has weakened Dortmund ahead of the Champions League final.

Carlisle announces retirement

Northampton defender and Professional Footballers' Association chairman Clarke Carlisle has called time on his playing career.

Mitchell: No approach for Howe

Bournemouth chairman Eddie Mitchell insists there haven't been any approaches for manager Eddie Howe, amid reported interest from Everton.

Mail Box

An Ode To Rafa And Loads More Mails...

We have one Chelsea fan who recognises the job done by Rafa Benitez while there's maths from Liverpool, Newcastle and Manchester. And Shawcross to Arsenal? Nah...

Mails: Jol Out And Other Demands...

You might notice that we haven't included a single mail about teams in pubs, because most of them were terrible. Instead we have a disgruntled Fulham fan and Scouse maths...

© 2013 British Sky Broadcasting Ltd. All Rights Reserved