(GSM) – Fabio Capello will not leave England to take over as the new coach of the Russian national side.
The Italian manager will not succeed Guus Hiddink as he is ‘loving the challenge’ of being England manager.
A Russian paper claimed head of the Russian Football Union Sergei Fursenko wants Capello to replace Hiddink, who is taking over as head coach of Turkey, at the close of the World Cup in July.
Russia would be able to offer the former Milan coach more than his current £6m-a-year salary because of the different tax laws.
Hiddink earns £6.3m per year tax free as Russia coach, while Capello’s hefty wage is taxed at 50 per cent.
However, having already stated his intention to remain in his current post until his contract expires in 2012, Capello has no intention of quitting.
Although the Italian did speak with Russian officials last week, it was purely a chance meeting at Stamford Bridge.
And while England and Russia are going head-to-head for the right to stage the 2018 World Cup, a similar battle is not envisaged over Capello.
A source close to Capello said: “Fabio is committed to England.
“He loves the job and life here. He has a contract to 2012 and so long as the FA want him to, he intends to stay.
“He saw the Russian president at the Chelsea game against Manchester City but is not interested in becoming the manager.
“There is always lots of interest in Fabio, but the England job is one he always wanted, he loves the challenge.
“The World Cup is the only thing on his mind.”
