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For the first time since his shock resignation, David Beckham has spoken publicly about the situation regarding England manager Fabio Capello.
Photo: Rick Morrison
Capello resigned after the English Football Association stripped John Terry of the captaincy against Capello’s wishes.
Speaking after the team’s preseason victory against Chivas USA, the former England captain said:
“I was surprised, just because the European Championships are coming up, and you know after working with Fabio for quite a few years, you know it’s sad that he’s stepped down at a critical stage for England.
But he’s done it for his own reasons and he’s a manager that I respect a lot, and a person that I respcet a lot and I wish him all the best. But now as a nation we have to come together, and concentrate on firstly getting a new manager going into these European Championships.”
On whether his replacement should be an Englishman, Beckham added:
“We’ve had Fabio, the last four years, whose been Italian and people talk about and have talked about having an English manager being in charge of our national team and it’s not my decision and that will be down to the FA. There will always be rumors about whose going to be the next manager.”
Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp is a clear favourite to succeed Capello. Beckham holds him in high regard:
“Harry is a great man and a great manager, and his man management is incredible. I know players that have played under him and I’ve trained under him, and he’s not just a great manager but a great person as well.
With everything that has happened the last few years, I’m happy to see that out of the way, and right now he’s Tottenham manager and he’s done an incredible job with the team down there, and my grandfather would be proud, being obviously a Tottenham fan for years, and for now he’s Tottenham’s manager.”
Lastly, he was asked whose decision it is to appoint the captaincy, the FA or Manager? Beckham was in no doubt:
“The coaches call, the coaches call. I think that’s always the case. Obviously the decision was taken to take the captaincy away from John, but going forward I’m sure the captain will be picked by whatever manager steps in.”
Also See:
The Sun Says: Was Beckham Counterproductive for Major League Soccer?
Warren Barton: FA ‘Happy’ with Capello Exit
MLS: Views from England and Asia
Warren Barton: Lack of Manchester Means Wide Open Champs League
