Capello knew fatigue effect ahead of World Cup

(GSM) – England manager Fabio Capello claims he knew the players’ fatigue would have a disastrous effect ahead of the team’s World Cup campaign.

England endured difficult group stage encounters in South Africa before being thrashed 4-1 by Germany in the second round.

“We played the last game in March and the players were in a good situation,” Capello said, referring to a 3-1 friendly win over Egypt at Wembley.

“But when we played the friendly games before the World Cup, the players were not in the same situation that they were in March. They were not the same, physically, like before.

“We knew the situation before the World Cup. I spoke with my staff but I could not come out and say this because psychologically it is not good for the players.

“When we started to play I could understand when we were tired: in the games against Mexico and against Japan. Even in the last friendly game in South Africa. The level of the games were always the same and I was worried.

“We tried to do everything. I spoke with the doctors and physios to improve the situation but South Africa was a mentality problem.”

Capello also apologized to the fans who travelled to South Africa to support the England team and said he would have understood if the FA had chosen to sack him.

“I prefer to stay but if the FA decided to sack me, I would have understood it,” the Italian said. “I spoke a lot about the situation but I am a fighter and I never stop in my career. I am always looking forward.

“I thought about different solutions and after I spoke with Sir Dave [Richards, chairman of Club England] I decided to stay because I want to improve and play at the Euros. It will be very important for me.”

“I want to say sorry to the fans who joined us in South Africa,” he added. “I know they spent a lot of time and money.

“It’s possible they will boo on Wednesday but we need support. We have to look forward now to the Euro qualification.”

England’s Euro 2012 qualifying campaign begins at home to Bulgaria on September 3 before facing Switzerland, Wales and Montenegro in Group G.