Fabio Capello claims Zlatan Ibrahimovic can become like Sir Alex Ferguson: ‘He didn’t really train the team, but decided everything else.’
Capello attended the presentation of Ibrahimovic’s latest book ‘Adrenaline’ in Milan.
The Italian tactician was Ibrahimovic’s first coach in Italy, when the Swede joined Juventus from Ajax in 2004.
Capello and Ibrahimovic remained at Juventus for two seasons, leaving the club after the Calciopoli scandal in the summer of 2006. They won two Serie A titles which were then revoked.
During the event, Ibrahimovic explained how he improved in Turin, working with the former Italian coach.
Ibrahimovic: ‘I don’t need the Ballon d’Or to prove that I am the best’
“He was playing only for the skills,” Capello said as quoted by Milannews. “Then, he understood that needed to score goals.
“Luckily, we played against Ajax during the pre-season and I told [Juventus directors] Moggi and Giraudo to sign him. Juventus and Raiola were on good terms.
“I used to tell Ibra that he had wooden feet, but he practiced his finishing every day, he continued to work and he has become the player that he is today.
“I remember once Raiola told me: ‘Be careful because he will break the goalkeepers’ hands’. I replied: ‘For now, he’s only broken the gym’s glass.”
What has the future in store for Ibrahimovic? Does Capello see him become a coach?
“He would be wasted,” the former England coach admitted.
“Perhaps, an English-style coach, such as Ferguson. He wasn’t really training [the team on the pitch], but he decided everything else. Ibra has the quality and the credibility to do the same. I think he understands something about football.”