Rio Ferdinand Defends Fabio Capello

26 Aug 2010

As Fifa inspectors establish England's suitability to host the 2018 World Cup, former England captain Rio Ferdinand has defended the managing style of his manager Fabio Capello.

Ferdinand described the  criticism that Capello has received for England's dire performance in the in South Africa as unfair.

Though many critics feel that the harsh judgement of Capello is more than justified due to England's worst performance in recent memory, coupled with he unusual management style which saw him end the career of England legend David Beckham during a television interview without informing Beckham first.

Despite this, the Manchester United defender has defended the Italian manager, saying: "We qualified in great style. The media people and those in the know who were saying he's 'Don Fabio' now have changed course.”

Ferdinand also admitted that the squad underperformed during the tournament in South Africa.

"We didn't play well at the World Cup, we know that.” remarked Ferdinand.

"But it doesn't make him a bad manager. A lot of people are jumping too far and too quick."

Ferdinand missed the chance to participate in the 2010 World Cup due to picking up an injury during training, this gave him plenty of time to to observe where England were going wrong.

Coupled with a few months reflections on the events, the centre-back believes changes are needed.

"He needs to make some big changes in the squad but who are we to argue?” said Ferdinand.

"We just do what he wants us to do. It's about England winning, not us as individuals."

Ferdinand's domestic side Manchester United squandered 2 points as they dropped the lead to draw 2-2 with Fulham at the weekend.

The Red Devils will play West Ham in their next Premiership fixture, with Sky Bet, totesport and Stan James offering 11/2 odds that United will only be able to manage a draw again.