Did Capello fail to understand the English ways, or did the English fail to understand him?

Capello pictures last night

Fabio Capello’s time as the manager of England is over and many in the country are breathing a huge sigh of relief. To say the Italian divided opinions is an understatement as he seemed to be living on borrowed time ever since the World Cup debacle. But did the Italian fail to understand English football as many have suggested, or was it simply the other way round?

There are not many managers who can boast of a trophy cabinet as big as Don Fabio, and that was one of the main reasons why he was given the England job. His methods of training, his meticulous attention to detail and his non-compromising attitude were lauded when he first arrived. Strange then, as to how some of these very qualities are now being pointed out as reasons for his ultimate failure.

Capello’s failure to conduct a successful news conference infuriated the media and the fans. When explanations were demanded his lack of knowledge of the English language prevented any concrete understanding of his thoughts and ideas for the team.  The harrowing experience at the World Cup was made even more depressing as the manager had just extended his rather lucrative contract before the tournament. So it is easy to see why Fabio’s departure is greeted with relief.

But then again, the £6m salary he was on was being bettered by Inter when they approached him. Twice. His so-called lack of commitment to the English job was not visible when he missed his own son’s wedding for the friendly with Spain, neither was it apparent during the number of times he travelled to watch just about every team in the Premier League with players of note. The joke circulating right now is ‘An Italian abandoning a sinking ship, who would’ve thought’. But, if Capello was indeed doing that he would have quit after the World Cup, not on the back of defeating Spain.

The vitriol thrown at Capello for the past two years has been simply shameful. England was not the only team that failed miserably in South Africa, Italy, France and Portugal all encountered the same problems. Even the great Lionel Messi’s Argentina was thrashed 4-0 by the German side who decimated the Three Lions. The draw against Algeria was unacceptable, but the World Cup is full of shocks and surprises. Statistics don’t often lie and the 67 per cent winning rate achieved by the ex-Milan, Real Madrid and Juventus manager is unlikely to be matched by whoever his successor may be.

There might be a Club England in place now within the FA but the truth is the Football Association is not run like a club. In an interview conducted just two days ago, Alex Ferguson backed Capello’s comments and said he understood Capello. Are we not a little bit hypocritical in suggesting then that the Italian failed to recognise the English values, and the culture?

Harry Redknapp is a good English manager, he knows how to get the best out of his players. And the best thing is he is approachable. He may have won just one trophy, but given the right type of team he can certainly achieve a lot more. But seeing how even veterans are treated on being appointed the England Manager, for his sake, I wish he doesn’t take it.

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