by Matthew P. Nicholson

Created on: February 18, 2008   Last Updated: October 31, 2008

Fabio Capello has been described as the man with a bigger ego than the players and with the current England squad, his ego needs to be as big as his reputation in the game. He is a man with presence and a single minded winning mentality, that will act as a wake up call for a National team guilty of failing to reach their potential under Steve McClaren and Sven-Goran Eriksson.

The English FA have previously dictated to managers and mistakenly believed they would continue this trend, when after appointing him, they informed the press there would be a strong presence of English coaches in his backroom team. It was made very clear very quickly who would be making such decisions, however, when the majority of the coaching team appointed where Italian, with the exception of Stuart Pearce who would be undertaking a dual role; continuing as under 21 coach with the added responsibility of being the bosses right hand man. Capello had obviously identified the same passion and leadership in Pearce's character that he possessed himself.

In the past stories circulated suggesting the senior players in the squad where making decisions about their preferred formation and the inclusion of fringe players into the squad. Those days are a distant memory now and the authority and discipline which Capello has instilled has led to Rio Ferdinand likening the start of the new regime to the first day at school. Order has certainly been regained in the classroom from the disruptive behaviour under the supply teacher McClaren. The headmaster had now arrived to explain the new rules under his leadership, one which meant that the nicknames were gone and every player would now be referred to by surname.

Informing the players immediately that he was a winner and had no time for losers will have shocked the millionaire elite of the England players, having the truth given to them so bluntly. That was merely an appetiser as they were informed no wives and girlfriend's (WAGS) were permitted when the players were on international duty. Furthermore all the players would now be eating every meal together as a unit, dressed smartly of course in their suits. There is no place for individuality in this new regime.

The message is clear and firm with the emphasis being placed on the unity of the team. The boys toys have also been banned, again in a clear message of exactly who is in charge, a decision that caused a ripple of discontent among the players. Only a ripple of course as nobody is going to be foolish

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