Football Talk - Capello calls on players to set example - 03/03/10
Fabio Capello has called upon his England players to start setting an example on and off the pitch.
The England side have been rocked by scandal in recent weeks with Wayne Bridge withdrawing from international duty over claims John Terry had an affair with his ex-girlfriend. Left-back Ashley Cole has also been in the headlines after splitting with his wife from his wife following allegations of a string of affairs. The Italian admits dealing with fame and wealth can be difficult at a young age, although he hopes they start making efforts to improve their behaviour for the sake of their careers.
"The private life is a big problem for some players, but also brings big problems for the clubs and for me," explained Capello. "They are important players. They have to be an example to the children, for all the fans. For that reason they have to stay careful in every moment and sacrifice something in their lives. They are young players, young boys, rich boys and this is a problem. It is not only here. In Italy, in Germany, in Spain, in every country where football is so important it is the same problem."
England's players maintain their team spirit in the camp remains high and Capello knows it is important that this remains the case. Asked whether he hopes England have seen the last of their off-field problems, Capello replied:
"I hope so. It will be really important that the players in this last period have to be careful in their private lives at every moment. I think the next three months will be okay for the players. I want to speak about the performance. I want to speak about the style we played, only about what really happened during the game. Not outside the pitch."
