Capello will resign as England coach after Euro 2012

Posted on October 6, 2011 by SoccerPunter

Capello has revealed his intention to step down following the conclusion of England’s Euro 2012 campaign, but recent reports suggested some key figures in the FA are keen for him to remain in charge.

However, Bernstein, speaking at the Leaders in Football conference in London on Wednesday, made it clear the former AC Milan and Real Madrid coach would not be extending an England reign that began in December 2007. “One day he’s going to go next week, the next day he’s going to stay for 20 years,” Bernstein said. “The position is very clear. He is our manager until the end of the European Championship. That is it.”

Bernstein also responded to the widespread belief that the FA will offer Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp the chance to replace Capello by admitting his organisation had not started the search for the 65-year-old’s successor.

“It is not something on our agenda at the moment. You can’t be half-pregnant at these things,” he said.

England can book their place at Euro 2012 with a draw against Montenegro on Friday and Bernstein insisted the FA were determined to learn the lessons from the team’s woeful 2010 World Cup campaign when they get to the finals in Poland and Ukraine.

He said they would not keep the team isolated in their hotel during Euro 2012 — as happened in South Africa — and suggested the squad would be given more opportunities to venture out into the community.

Bernstein said: “There are many lessons to be learnt from 2010 World Cup experience and, believe me, these are being taken fully on board.

“We are placing far greater emphasis on what we can do to provide an enjoyable environment and experience at tournaments.

“We are determined our teams will fully embrace being involved at World Cups and European Championships, be good tourists engaging with fans, staying more centrally and not being isolated.”

Bernstein also used his time at the Leaders in Football conference to accuse FIFA of failing to do enough to tackle corruption in the game and cast doubt on Sepp Blatter’s proposed reforms to clean up the global game.

He insisted he had no regrets about standing up at the FIFA Congress this year to call for Blatter’s re-election as president to be postponed.

Blatter stood unopposed after arch-rival Mohamed Bin Hammam was forced to pull out of the race amid bribery allegations against the former president of the Asian Football Confederation.

Bernstein said: “We had a UEFA strategic meeting two weeks ago in Cyprus and there was great disappointment expressed there about the lack of progress that FIFA are making in terms of governance.

“There is a FIFA ExCo this month and we are hoping something will come out of that but I wouldn’t hold your breath.

“It’s a difficult nut to crack, we will just have to see what Mr Blatter will do.”