Defoe sounds out Capello backing

(GSM) – England striker Jermain Defoe insists the national team squad is backing under-pressure coach Fabio Capello. Capello’s position has come under a great deal of scrutiny in the wake of England’s second round 4-1 defeat at the hands of Germany which left them out of the World Cup.

Regardless of the early elimination, Defoe thinks Capello still has the respect of the squad.

“I take the point that it can’t be fatigue as the Germans in particular have played more games than us,” Defoe told the Daily Mirror.

“Maybe it’s because so many players have taken on so much pressure to live up to expectations that it affected their normal game.

“There was boredom out there. But then players are used to that from being away with their clubs. And that soon went when the games started and we could break up our days by watching them.

“You also have to remember that the strict regime is the way the manager prefers to do things. His CV is second to none and he has won titles and trophies with four top European clubs and some fantastic players that way.

“For me personally, he gave me an opportunity and I’d like to think that I took it in that Slovenia game.

“Every manager has their own different routine before a game. With Mr Capello we’d watch a video of the opposition and we’d go through their strengths and weaknesses.

“And I’d like to think, despite what is being said, that he has the respect of the players.”