By Andrew Warshaw
July 20 – Former England manager Fabio Capello has agreed to become Russia’s new coach, the Russian Football Union (RFU) has confirmed, with local media suggesting the Italian could earn a staggering R392 million (£8 million/$12 million/€10 million) a year.
Capello has been out of work since quitting in February after John Terry was stripped of the England captaincy against his wishes, and was on a shortlist of coaches to get Russian football back on an even keel in preparation for whoever is in charge for the 2018 FIFA World Cup – which the country is hosting.
The money-no-object RFU is desperate to restore the squad’s credibility after being eliminated at the group phase of the 2012 European Championship in Poland and Ukraine despite being among the dark horses for the title.
Acting RFU chief Nikita Simonyan said the 66-year-old Italian, who has yet to put pen to paper, would be arriving in Moscow today.
“On Saturday he’ll watch the [Russian Premier League] match involving CSKA Moscow,” Simonyan said.
“Then the following day, he’s going to St Petersburg to watch [Russian champions] Zenit.”
Capello has won five Serie A titles with AC Milan and Roma as well as two Spanish crowns and the Champions League with Real Madrid.
He replaces Dutchman Dick Advocaat and becomes Russia’s third successive foreign coach.
Once again he will be presented with a language barrier, something his new bosses appear unconcerned about after offering him a contract through to the Brazil 2014 World Cup, with the possibility of extending it for another two years.
Russia chose Capello from the list of 13 coaches including the likes of Pep Guardiola, Harry Redknapp and Rafael Benítez.
As with England, he will largely use Italian assistants and will be tasked with dismantling an ageing Russian side and proving the country worthy World Cup hosts, starting with the qualifying campaign for 2014.
“I am very excited,” Capello was quoted as saying.
“We can do a lot and we have much to do.
“For me it is a great challenge and, of course, the main goal is to qualify for the World Cup.
“Two of us will qualify, but, like in all the qualification stages, it will be very, very hard.
“But I am confident that we will qualify.
“Everyone saw Russia at the Euro.
“A big problem is that in the teams of the Russian league there are seven foreigners and only four selectable [Russian players]. It is very hard to work in this way.”
Contact the writer of this story at zib.l1734848733labto1734848733ofdlr1734848733owedi1734848733sni@w1734848733ahsra1734848733w.wer1734848733dna1734848733
Related stories
July 2012: Capello, Redknapp and Guardiola shortlisted for Russia coach job
July 2012: Mancini tipped as new Russia coach