Fabio Capello sees Italy’s World Cup exit as down to a lack of running, as he reflects on how European Coaches have been surprised this summer.
Only six European nations made it out of the group stage of this summer’s tournament in Brazil, with the likes of Spain, England, Italy and Capello’s own Russia all surprisingly eliminated at the first stage.
Fabio Capello sees Italy’s World Cup exit as down to a lack of running, as he reflects on how European Coaches have been surprised this summer.
Only six European nations made it out of the group stage of this summer’s tournament in Brazil, with the likes of Spain, England, Italy and Capello’s own Russia all surprisingly eliminated at the first stage.
For the Italian veteran, who has come under scrutiny in Russia, the Azzurri’s failings were down to one particular trait missing.
“Italy have not run enough. They did not have the speed that we normally see in Italian football,” Capello told Al Primer Toque this week.
“The schedule has been important, whilst this has been a World Cup that has been played with great speed and accuracy, and more and more pressure on the ball.
“I believe that this is a situation that the European Coaches did not expect here in South America.
“Spain? Vicente del Bosque should continue – he’s a great Coach. The results he has achieved have been incredible, whilst we all have moments when we are more or less successful.
“I was surprised by the performance of the teams that faced Spain. They waited, pressured and in playing these teams Spain have been unfortunate.
“Brazil? They are a team that wants to win, they have strength and good quality with Neymar, who makes the difference.
“The rest a good physically, but not mentally. They have become more of a team, but they are less spectacular.
“Scolari says that FIFA does not want them to win, which would be a joke.
“The best players so far? Robben, Messi and Neymar, then Luis Suarez.
“He is a striker, a player who has the same desire that Raul Gonzalez had. When the team needs him, Suarez takes them on his shoulders.”