I met Fabio Capello in a hotel lift at the end of August in Monte Carlo. I like to think my pep talk has helped to turn England's fortunes around. Here it is in its entirety
Me - You are doing very well
FC - Thanks
Me - It is a tough job
FC - I know
Me - A very, very tough job
FC - I know, I know
Me - Stay tough, Fabio
FC - I will
Me - Good luck
FC - Thank you
Clearly this brusque, Pinter-esque dialogue cut through to Fabio in a way all the football scribes have failed to achieve. Since then he has won all his games making tough decisions about who he picks and who he drops.
It was good to see that he kept faith with Frank Lampard, albeit through force majeure. Frank has been brilliant for Chelsea this season. Against Villa today he and Ballack led a master-class in passing and moving. This season's Chelsea team have not yet received the praise they deserve. Mind you there has been barely time to reflect on it such has been the torrent of off-the-field M&A and managerial changes going on.
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