It's So Hard To Say Goodbye

The stories are slowly trickling out about Fabio Capello's trophy-winning reign at Juventus. On the eve of Real Madrid's opening UEFA Champions League match away to Lyon, Capello has had to endure some swipes from his former players at Juventus and one from a disgruntled Dane.

While I do have an affinity for attractive soccer that is played in an attacking style that is pleasing to the eye, I think that fans of Juve would have little to complain about Capello's stint in Turin. Two consecutive Scudettos (of course latter taken away) as well as a competitive Champions League side every season.

Capello wouldn't be the first coach players haven't had a good relationship with. Now that I think of it, William Gallas, Ashley Cole, and Ruud Van Nistelrooy all come to mind. The truth is that yes, Capello imposes a defense first type of mentality on his teams. Because of this, I can understand Zlatan Ibrahimovic feeling a bit stifled and constrained on the pitch. When it comes to Alessandro Del Piero and Thomas Gravesen, it sounds like sour grapes. In Juve's case, if the team is winning because of tactics and who is on the field, who's right, the manager or the players? As for Graveson, if you start going after teammates in training, than I guess you've written your own ticket out.

Real Madrid's new boss has a proven track record that is second to none among top coaches in European club soccer. This won't be the last time we hear about a manager's ex-players griping about his style, be it his tactics on the field or how he deals with people one-on-one. Like the saying goes, you have to break some eggs to make an omelet.

I don’t miss Capello, says Ibra [Channel 4]
Juventus skipper Del Piero: It was me or Capello [Tribal Football]
Gravesen slams "arrogant" Capello [Euro Sport]

-ac