Football: Capello plays down Chelsea link

BELFAST:

Russia coach Fabio Capello insists he has had no contact with Chelsea after being linked with a move to the Premier League club.

With Chelsea’s interim manager Rafael Benitez certain to be replaced when his contract expires at the end of the season, former England boss Capello has reportedly been considered by Blues owner Roman Abramovich as a successor to the beleaguered Spaniard.

Capello’s name was mentioned as a potential Chelsea manager before Benitez was appointed as Roberto Di Matteo’s replacement in November and the ex-Real Madrid and AC Milan manager was mooted as a candidate again earlier this month. “I know nothing about this [link to Chelsea],” said Capello. “I am really happy with the Russian team at the moment and focused to qualify for the World Cup in Brazil.”

Published in The Express Tribune, March 23^rd, 2013.