Capello Playing It Cool
(Soccer365.com) - Real Madrid coach Fabio Capello is refusing to get carried away despite seeing his side move to within two points of the Primera Liga leadership on Sunday.
With top two Barcelona and Sevilla each dropping points this weekend, Madrid were able to trim the gap to both clubs with a 2-0 home win over Osasuna.
That has set up what promises to be an enthralling climax to the Spanish season, but with nine games still to be played, Capello is determined Madrid do not get ahead of themselves.
"We're still behind, but we made up ground and played with great spirit. We're improving with each game that passes, which is crucial in these decisive matches," Capello said.
"We're going to take each game as it comes, and each turns out to be a final."
Madrid's hopes of winning a first major trophy since 2003 could come down to how well they perform in the next four games.
In those matches they face tricky away trips to Racing Santander and Athletic Bilbao, while also hosting title rivals Valencia and Sevilla at the Bernabeu.
"Our upcoming games are very difficult, but we can't slip up. We'll go day by day and not get ahead of ourselves," Capello re-iterated.
"We're convinced that we can win each game. We don't know if we will be champions, but we're going to try our best.
"We're in with a chance because we earned it. When things weren't going well, that was also our fault.
"You go through patches during a season and it happens with every team, not just us."
Madrid took the lead against Osasuna through captain Raul in the 24th minute but, despite creating a host of chances, they were unable to add a second goal until nine minute from time when Robinho slotted home.
Despite their profligacy in front of goal, Capello was pleased with his side's performance overall.
"I think we played a great match against a very hard opponent. The keepers played very important roles, with great saves at both ends," he said.
"We could have had many more goals had we been a little more accurate.
"But we're beginning to find ourselves, and you can tell. Psychology also plays an important part. The players are full of confidence."
Goalscorer Robinho, who received a standing ovation from the home crowd when he was substituted late on following a fine performance, said: "I hope to continue playing like that, the same as the rest of my team-mates, who have had a sensational game.
"We are playing better every time and we hope to be league champions at the end of the season."
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Comments
I don't care how cool Capello is playing it & I don't think it's going to matter how many points Madrid gets or where they end up in La Liga. I'm pretty sure Elton.(Capello). John will be looking for a new club to go mess up after this season
Posted by: Stanley | April 9, 2007 06:42 PM
Of course it matters where Real ends up this season. If they come first, isn't that the goal you set out for at the beginning of the season. When's the last time they came in first? Ok, they were knocked out of champions, but so was Barcelona. Maybe, just maybe Real is on the path to playing consistent above par football. Most of the big egos are gone and now it seems Capello has got a hold of his team and the players are buying into his system. Real have been doing fairly well lately and I think the coach deserves a little bit of credit for that. Capello is not my favourite coach or person but I have to give him credit for what seemingly looks like a team on the move--up! Look for Real to win at least 90% of their remaining games. If you're a betting man--Real looks real good. Trust me.
Posted by: giova * * * * | April 9, 2007 07:10 PM
yea there has been so many bad statements about capello. but really guys, is he really as bad as everyone is saying? Real is sitting high in the la liga table and dont look like they are going out of the picture anytime soon.
Posted by: john | April 9, 2007 07:38 PM
It's not that he's that bad I just think with a club like Madrid he's in over his head. He has no backbone & he won't tell the owners to mind their own business & let him coach. Case in point that stupid situation with the 250 million dollar bench warmer David (Cruise) Beckham. Capello in the begining was right to bench that 3 time loser. Then Beckham went to the media as usual to cry when he's not getting his way. The media turned up the heat on the club. The owners leaned on Capello to play Beckham & Capello folded like a deck of cards. That's not the qualities of a professioanl manager. No self respect. If he had any backbone Capello would have told Madrid's owners, as well as Beckham to shove it! If your a manager & you let the players' dictate to you your done. Capello is nothing but a doormat now.
Posted by: Jenson | April 9, 2007 09:54 PM
I agree, but we really don't know the full details behind the scenes. If Capello did fold to ownership I don't think the players would respect him. If the players didn't respect him, they wouldn't be playing as well as they are. Like I said Capello isn't my favourite coah, player or person but he deserves some accolades for gaining so much ground in so little time like he has. He's back in the thick of La Liga championship, and thats no small accomplishment considering the tams in La Liga. I thought the same as you, I thought Capello was finished at Madrid and was way in over his head but apparently we were both wrong.
Posted by: giova * * * * | April 9, 2007 10:02 PM
The only level Capello is good for coaching is ayso.
Posted by: Dave | April 10, 2007 06:50 PM
Dave that would be a good place for him.
Posted by: Jenson | April 10, 2007 08:40 PM
Capello coaching in ayso? Thats an insult to ayso!
Posted by: Roger | April 11, 2007 04:46 PM
I feel staisfeid after reading that one.
Posted by: Tiger | August 3, 2011 09:39 AM