Win or bust warning for Fabio Capello
Tuesday 22nd June 2010, 11:00AM BST.
Ron Atkinson believes England will be looking for a new manager if they crash out of the World Cup.
The Three Lions face a do-or-die final group game against Slovenia tomorrow, which will decide their fate with victory guaranteeing Fabio Capello’s squad a ticket to the Round of 16 phase.
But although the FA have moved to deny reports that the Italian will walk if his squad fail, the former Villa and Albion boss is convinced differently.
With the weekend’s supposed ‘mutiny’ stirring up the speculation swirling around the camp even more, Atkinson believes Capello’s body language betrays a man on the edge – and is convinced an English coach should be called in if that scenario plays out.
The Express & Star’s World Cup expert said: “I know the FA have moved to deny it but I think Capello will resign if we don’t get through this game. There is something in his body language that says that to me. I think he will fall on his sword.
“This manager is very single minded. He’s got a good record but perhaps what has come to the surface once more is the difference between Latin-Continental players and their English counterparts.
“Say what you like, but the mentality of English players is to hate being cooped up.
“Get them relaxed and sparking off one another and you will get the best football out of them. I’m not sure this is the way Capello goes about things.”
Atkinson, who was a strong contender for the post during his early-1990s pomp at Villa Park, believes two obvious English candidates stand out to step into Capello’s shoes should he walk.
He added: “I think we’ve got good English managers who would give it a go. I think Roy Hodgson would be stitched on to succeed him but I wouldn’t have a problem if Harry Redknapp was called in either.
“I understand that there is more to this role than the Kevin Keegan’s tub thumping, but I would be confident guys of this calibre would do a job.”
UK Sport
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