Domestic success
"In one month when I meet the players, I want to be able to speak to them in English," said Capello, who has never coached an international team before but has won domestic titles with all four clubs he has managed. "I believe it is very important to be able to communicate with the players." Capello's second task will be to turn around England's fortunes after their failure to qualify for next year's UEFA European Championship under former manager Steve McClaren.
'Great team'
"This is a great team capable of great results," Capello added. "I am very proud and honoured to be given the job of coaching England. I've wanted the job for a long time. It's a dream come true because it's a job everybody wants. I've accepted the task and believe I can do well." Capello's first game in charge will be a friendly against Switzerland at Wembley in February, and he has until next September before the qualifying campaign begins for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.
No pressure
"I'm lucky to have four matches without pressure when I will be able to experiment," he said. "I think there is not enough faith in the England squad and what it can achieve." Asked whether there were any automatic choices in the side, Capello said players "will be picked on attitude, behaviour and performance". Capello has been given a four-and-a-half year contract by the Football Association. His backroom staff will consist of four Italian assistants and an unnamed Englishman. "It's very important to have somebody who knows the football from the country and knows the environment," he said.