Fabio Capello: I will learn English language in a month
Capello's self-confidence was in evidence during today's unveiling
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Monday, 17, Dec 2007 03:00
New national team coach Fabio Capello has claimed he can 'learn English in one month' when asked if the language barrier would be a problem for him.
The Italian, 61, has only a very basic grasp of English as he has only coached on the continent in his homeland and Spain.
However when he moved to Madrid to take over at Real for the first time in 1996, he famously picked up Spanish very quickly and is known to be something of an intellectual.
And his self-confidence shone through at today's press conference - where he was officially unveiled to the media for the first time - as he claimed he will have learned the language by the time the national squad convenes in a month's time.
"I am convinced that in one month I will be able to speak the language and it will not be a problem," he said.
"I believe it is very important to be able to communicate with the players.
"I want to learn the language in time to meet the players in under one month and I will be disciplined and set myself goals in order to learn English quickly."
Capello also said he plans to meet with high-profile coaches and players in the English leagues, although he confirmed he already has a working relationship with several of them.
When coach of Milan, Juve and Real in recent years, the Italian said he had met with Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger and Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson in the conventions for coaches of the top European clubs.
And Capello said he already has "a good relationship" with - and "a great respect" for - both men and will not find it a problem to work with them in his new role.