Fabio Capello talks EXCLUSIVELY to CM: "Italy don't have any great strikers"
Fabio Capello has been there, done that when it comes to football. A Champions League winner with AC Milan, the Pieris native has won the Serie A on seven occasions (though two have since been withdrawn) with three clubs, and has coached two different national teams, recently leaving his post as Russia Coach.
Having coached the likes of Totti, Van Basten, Papin, Raul, Gullit, Weah, Totti, Del Piero and Trezeguet, what does he make of the current crop of strikers?
What do you make of statistical evidence that points to Thomas Mueller being Europe's most prolific player?
He is a very, very important striker, he makes a difference for both Bayern and Germany. But when thoughts turn to his club, I can't not think of Lewandowski. In terms of pure class I find the latter to be superior. Then again it's true that Mueller is always incisive, his contribution is always huge".
But Messi is still the King, right?
Before he got injured, his contribution was extraordinarily important . It's hard to think of another player who is worthier of being Number 1. Ronaldo always comes to mind as well in these debates, but I prefer Messi. Then again, we should keep our eyes peeled...
Neymar is on his way up. We've witness him bloom this year, and I don't think he's done improving. Up until last season, I could see that he was extraordinarily gifted, but - how would you say it?- he didn't satisfy me. He wasn't very consistent, he'd maybe flash a couple of skillfull plays then stop. In Brazil football is different, and all he needed were a goal and an assist to decide a game, so he could disappear after that.
Here, things are different, but he's getting used to it and he's improving.
He's one of the top three, let's say he completes the podium in terms of quality and his ability to surprise his opponents.
Is Neymar destined to become Number 1? He certainly has a future in the Top Three on the cards, as long as he continues doing what he's doing. If he keeps applying himself to integrate with the team's tactics, he can keep getting better".
Gonzalo Higuain is Italy's best striker, how far is he from the world's best?
Ah, Higuain! You're telling me! I was the one who broguht him over to Real Madrid when he was 18! He was already very good, and I helped him grow and improve. He's fantastic, one of the best out-and-out centre-forwards, because he has the necessary characteristics: he's powerful, he's determined, he plays in front of goal and he scores!
He's really improved a lot this year...
Yes, he's made great leaps forward. He's angrier, he fights to win, he wants to win something with the team.
Is he worthy of the Ballon D'Or, as [Napoli Coach] Sarri claims?
It's always a peculiar one, because it almost always ends up going to an attacker, because goalscorers are the ones who excited people's imagination the most. And a striker needs the skills I just spoke of. That said, when I think that Baresi and Maldini have never won it, I go crazy.
Talk of champions makes me nostalgic, we don't have players of that calibre...
No, Italy doesn't have great strikers. It has good ones, not great ones.
Is it fair to say that Mario Balotelli is Calcio's wasted opportunity?
(Capello takes some time to think it through... before laughing)
No, for pity's sake, I'm not getting involved in that!
