Capello rules out Italy job, focus on China

MILAN - Agence France-Presse

Former England manager Fabio Capello on Dec. 22 ruled himself out as the Italian national team coach saying his focus was on his job in China.

The Italian signed last June with Chinese Super League side Jiangsu Suning, a club which is owned by Suning Group and businessman Zhang Jindong, who also controls Serie A giants Inter Milan.

“No I’ll never do it, I’ve stopped,” the 71-year-old told Italy’s La Repubblica newspaper when asked about his name being touted for the vacant Azzurri position. “Anyhow, I’m in China...,” he added when asked if he had been contacted.

Capello said he was “saddened” by the four-time world champion’s World Cup failure but believes it could a “turning point for Italian football.” “To start doing something different, change the rhythm of things, which for years had always been the same.

It cannot be just one person who makes decisions, we need a group of capable people who know football and work together ... to pursue the interests of Italian football and not personal interests.”

Capello made his name at AC Milan in the 1990s, winning four Serie A titles and the Champions League.