Lampard approves Capello's hard-line approach

31 March,2009 08:20 AM IST |   |  PA Sport

Ahead of Ukraine test, Lampard approves of England coach Capello's hard-line approach


Ahead of Ukraine test, Lampard approves of England coach Capello's hard-line approach

England star Frank Lampard has admitted the introduction of Fabio Capello's hard-line approach was just what the national team required.

A four-goal hammering of Slovakia at Wembley on Saturday has put Lampard and his team-mates in confident mood ahead of Wednesday's qualifier with Ukraine.

And for this Lampard credits the clear thinking of England's new Italian coach.

"Fabio Capello was exactly what we needed," said Lampard.

"One of the reasons for that is his experience, which tells him exactly how to do things.

"He picks each squad on merit. He assesses how you play for your club side and watches you very closely. He picks the team along the same lines.

Capello's single-minded approach reminds Lampard of another manager he used to work with.

There may not be too many similarities between Capello and Jose Mourinho but they share the same absolute belief that what they are doing is right.

"There is a very strong aura about Fabio," said Lampard. "There is a bit of Jose Mourinho about him in the fact that he knows what he is doing. It is his way and we are all following it.

"There is probably a bit of that in every top manager. They have a confidence in their own ability.

"It is very important with England because we all know what kind of microscope there is on us and you might be affected by the strong public opinion. But Fabio makes his own decisions in terms of the team, the substitutes and what they do on the training pitch."

Lampard scored his first goal of Capello's regime against Slovakia "It was nice to get the monkey off my back," said Lampard. "I have had a different role for the past year, which has not allowed me to get forward. I don't mind that but hopefully in the future I can get forward more often."
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Frank Lampard Fabio Capello Ukraine