Fabio Capello, an esteemed football figure who has managed Milan, Juventus, and Real Madrid, and even served as the England coach, rightfully carries the title Don Fabio.

In an exclusive, extensive interview with Flashscore, this legendary coach from Friuli reflected on his career and the impact his experiences have had on his work.

Throughout his glorious journey, Don Fabio has a special bond with the Montenegrin football talents, notably Predrag Mijatović and especially Dejan Savićević. There’s even a distinct section in the interview titled: “Only a madman can do that.”

ONLY A MADMAN CAN DO THAT

The 78-year-old Capello took a special interest in the stars from the former Yugoslavia.

– Davor Šuker, Dejan Savićević, Predrag Mijatović, and Zvonimir Boban all shared a unique perspective of the game on the pitch, some with unparalleled flair, like Savićević. They each showcased their footballing talents to the fullest, which signifies that I successfully got the most out of them and that, for me, is the most rewarding aspect of my career. When I asked these players, who possess different skill sets, to execute certain tasks, they did so to perfection while maintaining their freedom of expression. Yes, there are strategies, but individuals must be free to showcase their flair, to dribble, to innovate, as they possess the technical skills for that…” Capello explained, adding:

– Among them, Savićević was the most brilliant. We had our share of conflicts initially, but then developed a remarkable relationship, as he is unlike anyone else. The goal he scored against Barcelona in the Champions League final… I assert that only a “madman” could conceive a lob from that angle. When I asked him, “What drove you to shoot from there?” and he responded that he did it because he was confident he would score, I was left speechless. How do you respond to something so extraordinary? – Capello pondered.

In a conversation with “Flashscore,” he indicated that his success with such strong personalities stemmed from his extensive playing and coaching experiences..

LEARNED FROM HERERA, ROCK, LIDHOLM…

– My coaching methodology evolved from many of my mentors. From Nere Roko, I grasped the importance of simplicity and a direct approach. Elenio Herrera was a pioneering coach and trained without backing down, believing that “how you train is how you play,” making practice feel like a genuine competitive match. From Lidholm, I learned that while I allow freedom, I also guide with composure and intelligence to achieve what I want from the player and the team. Transitioning from player to coach takes time, and history shows that great players often become excellent coaches, – Capello stated.

Many talented players from Don Fabio’s teams have pursued coaching careers, including Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Fabio Cannavaro, Gennaro Gattuso, and Andrea Pirlo, who are currently making headlines.

– Pirlo led Juventus, and Lampard emerged with Chelsea… However, when I finished playing, I spent five years in the academy. Working in the academy teaches you valuable lessons about engaging with players and effectively communicating with the youth. To me, it’s akin to a university where you need to learn and comprehend. Gerrard found success with Rangers but faced challenges at Aston Villa and Al Ettifaq, while Lampard, after his tenure at Chelsea, finds himself enjoying his position at Coventry. They are among the finest players I’ve coached, and they won’t repeat previous mistakes. Thus, I’m confident they will succeed as managers. Cannavaro, who once served as my assistant, bravely took charge at Dinamo Zagreb and achieved victories, even beating Milan. He has garnered considerable attention, demonstrating that Udinese should have retained him after his success with that team. Gattuso’s situation at Hajduk is similar. It’s challenging, particularly because those teams don’t match the caliber of the teams they once played against, and that demands great courage. “I deeply admire their willingness to risk it at smaller foreign clubs,” Capello concluded.

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