According to the State Duma's Sports Committee head, Russian soccer national team coach Fabio Capello will need to do a lot of explaining regarding the team's performance at this year's world Cup. Daily Mail quoted Igor Anansikh, who said that he will be demanding Capello to present his plans to state lawmakers on how to improve the national team and make them more competitive in international soccer.
The British tabloid said Capello's leadership led to 1-1 draws with both Algeria and South Korea and a 1-0 loss against Belgium. The Russians finished third in the group stage, which led to their early exit from the tournament.
Capello, who reportedly signed a new £7million-a-year contract extension in January, has him tied to the Russian Football Union (FUR) until 2018, the year when Russia plays host to the next World Cup tournament. Capello's contract signing had led him also to earn a total of £26 million since serving as England and Russia manager since 2008.
The hefty price tag only led to a single World Cup victory over two campaigns, the British tabloid said. No wonder
Russia demanded more from Capello. More so considering the fact that Capello will only have four years to improve the team just in time for Russia to play host to football's biggest tournament. On the other hand, should FUR decide to terminate Capello ahead of the contract renewal, FUR would have only paid the Italian £3 million, according to ITAR-Tass.
On the other hand, Russian politician Oleg Pakholkov branded Capello as a "thief," and is asking for the Italian to return all or at least half of the money he received from the Russian Federation for the team's performance in the World Cup.
Capello, however, defended his record and even gave his team a pat on the back. He said, "With this team we got to the World Cup for the first time in 12 years. I think I did a good job so far and it is a pity that we could not go forward."
