Monthly Archives: January 2014

CAPELLO BACKS REAL

Russia’s national team manager Fabio Capello has said that his former club – Real Madrid – can win the Champions league this season. The club appointed Carlo Ancelotti, who has been managed by Capello in the past, as the club’s new manager to replace Jose Mourinho. Real Madrid are chasing the elusive 10th European cup for more than a decade. They already hold the record for winning the most number of European titles, but they are pressing keen on winning the 10th trophy. Capello is no stranger to success in Madrid after having won the league title during his one year at the club.

Currently the manager of the Russian national team, Capello has spoken about his former team’s chances of winning the Champions League. He believes that Real Madrid have one of the strongest teams in terms of balance, while they have an experienced coach in the form of Ancelotti. The Italian is one of the few to have won the title as a player and as a manager. Barcelona have been regarded as favourites for the Champions League up until now, but Capello says that the arrival of a new manager in the form of Gerardo Martino reduces their chances since they are going through a transitional period.

“Real is favourite to win La Liga and a tenth European Cup. The squad is extraordinary. The change of coach at Barcelona has brought something different. The team plays faster, attacking football and scores lots of goals, but it is still developing,” said Capello, who is focused now switches back to the national team. Having been grouped alongside Belgium, South Korea, and Algeria, Russia have a good chance of progressing to the knockout stage of the World Cup 2014.

Russia failed to qualify for the South African edition in 2010, which led to the appointment of Capello.