Fabio Capello has stated his desire to remain as England manager — but his future will be decided by the English Football Association over the next two weeks.
Capello’s future has been the subject of speculation both before and since England’s dismal World Cup exit against Germany yesterday, with suggestions he could be axed from his role.
And he said: “I spoke this morning with (Club England chairman) Sir Dave Richards and he told me that he needs two weeks to decide.”
Asked whether he would like to stay in his role, the Italian said: “Absolutely. I said I can be the manager of England for the next season, but it is for him (Richards) to decide.
“We spoke also about the players that can play for the next qualification and I know what I have to do.”
Club England managing director Adrian Bevington indicated the FA had sought to give themselves time to consider Capello’s position, rather than making a “knee-jerk reaction” in the wake of yesterday’s 4-1 defeat in Bloemfontein.
“Sir Dave Richardson met with Fabio this morning and we are all very clear that Fabio is under contract with the FA until the 2012 European Championships and nothing has changed in that respect,” Bevington said.
“Obviously everybody is very disappointed today with the fact that we’ve gone out of the World Cup in a manner that everyone back in England and the fans that have travelled are incredibly frustrated with.
“So it makes perfect sense for us to go back to London and take stock of the situation, reflect fully on the tournament and see what we can take from it and just speak to Fabio from there.
“I don’t think there is anything sinister in it beyond that other than we just want to make sure that we show a common-sense approach rather than making any other snap knee-jerk reactions within 24 hours of a very disappointing result.”
Capello indicated he was content to allow the FA time to consider their options, despite admitting last night he would like assurances that they would back him to remain in the role.
Reacting to Bevington’s comments, Capello said: “Yes I think it is an intelligent answer.
“I have got a contract. I refused a lot of opportunities to be a manager from a lot of important clubs because I would like to stay here.
“I like this job. I like to be England manager.”