England coach Fabio Capello says he will warn his players that their World Cup places will be at risk if their conduct off the pitch lands them in the media spotlight.
Capello has already stripped John Terry of the captaincy after newspaper allegations earlier this month that the defender had an affair with England teammate Wayne Bridge’s former partner.
Left back Ashley Cole has also dominated tabloid front pages over allegations that he cheated on his wife Cheryl Cole, who announced their separation on Tuesday.
Asked what will happen to players who step out of line after he spells out his code of conduct on their behavior, Capello said: “The players have to understand what I want if you want to stay with me.”
DISCIPLINARIAN
Capello, who is renowned as a strict disciplinarian, does not want to see his players’ private lives splashed across newspapers — particularly as the Italian coach tries to deliver England’s first World Cup since 1966.
“It will be very important because we need to create a group,” he said. “The England shirt is very important. This will be one of the most important points we will speak about.”
Capello will talk to his players next week when the team gathers before a friendly against Egypt on March 3.
Despite the personal issue between Bridge and Terry, Capello is confident that the defensive partners will be able to play in the same team.
“No, he will be with us — no problems about the other things,” Capello told reporters. “I haven’t spoken to the players. When we are together, in the same room, I will speak to the players. I prefer to speak in person rather than on the phone.”
INJURY
Manchester City’s Bridge is set to take Cole’s place next week at left back because his former Chelsea teammate is out with an ankle injury.
“I spoke with [Chelsea manager] Carlo Ancelotti and our doctors spoke with Chelsea’s doctors,” Capello said. “We hope he will be fit in two months, more or less, and I think he will be ready for the World Cup. Wayne Bridge [can play]. Why not? He is a left back,” Capello said.
“Cole and Bridge are the best left backs,” he said.
Above all, Capello doesn’t want the media reports to damage morale in the England camp following an impressive qualification campaign.
“The World Cup is really important for me, for England and for the players,” Capello said after meeting fellow World Cup coaches in Sun City, South Africa. “We have to stay together and be compact in every moment. I think this will be my most important job, to recreate this spirit.”
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