Trento, 2 Oct. (LaPresse) – “We no longer know how to defend; little attention is paid to the defensive aspect of the game. I have yet to see that determination to win the ball back in this national team. I love the national team to bits. Even at home, I stand up for the national anthem, but I don’t regret never having managed it.” Fabio Capello made these remarks whilst speaking on stage at the Trento Sports Festival, which runs until Sunday. “The future of Italian football? Managers lack the courage to field young players, who should be given a chance to prove themselves,” he added. “Young players need to be able to showcase their qualities, yet more opportunities are given to foreign players. In terms of style of play, the focus is on ball possession, and players are discouraged from taking risks or playing long balls. I’d like to see Italian football return to what it used to be – the football that made us proud. Today I don’t have much confidence; there’s no humility to understand where we’re all heading together. I really must say this: let the young players enjoy themselves whilst playing football. I coached the youth teams for five years. At the start of the football season, I’d gather the parents and say: I don’t want to hear you shouting at the referee, opponents or anyone else. If that happens, your son won’t play.”
Capello: “I love the national team but I don’t regret never having managed it”
Trento, 2 Oct. (LaPresse) – “We no longer know how to defend; little attention is paid to the defensive aspect of the game. I have yet to see that determination to win the ball back in this national team. I love the national team to bits. Even at home, I stand up for the national anthem, but I don’t regret never having managed it.” Fabio Capello made these remarks whilst speaking on stage at the Trento Sports Festival, which runs until Sunday. “The future of Italian football? Managers lack the courage to field young players, who should be given a chance to prove themselves,” he added. “Young players need to be able to showcase their qualities, yet more opportunities are given to foreign players. In terms of style of play, the focus is on ball possession, and players are discouraged from taking risks or playing long balls. I’d like to see Italian football return to what it used to be – the football that made us proud. Today I don’t have much confidence; there’s no humility to understand where we’re all heading together. I really must say this: let the young players enjoy themselves whilst playing football. I coached the youth teams for five years. At the start of the football season, I’d gather the parents and say: I don’t want to hear you shouting at the referee, opponents or anyone else. If that happens, your son won’t play.”