Capello: Kop are after me

By John Cross 05/12/2007 The Daily Mirror


Fabio Capello has been 'tapped up' twice by Liverpool as Rafa Benitez battles to stay in command at Anfield.
Capello claims he was contacted before and after last week's Champions League win over Porto as boss Benitez's relationship with owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks reached crisis point.
That will alarm the FA, who see the out-of-work Italian, 61, as a potential candidate to succeed Steve McClaren as England boss.
Although Benitez has reached a ceasefire in his war of words with his American bosses, they may be pushed into action if the Reds fail to qualify for the Champions League knockout stages. And they will need a ready-made replacement.
Fa chief executive Brian Barwick, who has been canvassing opinion on who to put in charge of England, has heard some heavyweight backing for Capello from ex-England bosses Terry Venables, Graham Taylor and Glenn Hoddle.
And members of the FA hierarchy favour the vastly experienced Italian more than Jose Mourinho.
Former Chelsea boss Mourinho has declared publicly he is interested in the job - but the FA fears he is using it to draw out the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona as he is desperate to get back into club management.
Capello has already said he wants the job, but the FA has yet to contact him or other candidates including Mourinho, Jurgen Klinsmann and Martin O'Neill.
England captain John Terry yesterday backed his old boss Mourinho, saying: "He's a great guy tactically. He came in and took us (Chelsea) to a new level.
"I've had a meeting with Brian Barwick, but that will stay private between me and him. It's great to be consulted on these matters."
.
.
utusanLFC : let's have the benefit of doubt in this story and if its really happened... the person who contacted Mr Capello could only be an agent, who might have done it without prior or proper instruction from LFC. As far as we can believe, Rafa still maintains a good relationship with Rick Parry. So it is quite puzzling if Parry instructed his people to contact anyone else when Rafa is in a good communication with him. Anyway... this kind of development is CRAZY, WEIRD AND SICKENING UP TO THE BONE. We as the loyal supporter of LFC... HATED IT.
Lets concentrate on football and not be bothered with the politics of administration. We want Rafa to be our manager. Not Mr Capello.