ENGLAND MIDFIELDER STEVEN Gerrard said he believes former manager Fabio Capello never believed in him to captain the national team.
The Liverpool skipper led England under Capello during a disappointing 2010 FIFA World Cup, when they bowed out in the round of 16 in South Africa.
Set to lead his nation in Brazil, Gerrard felt the now-Russia coach believed in him as a player, but not as a captain.
“Capello didn’t believe in me as his number one captain, but Roy does,” Gerrard said on Friday.
“I don’t know what it was. I think he believed in me as a player and rated me as a player.
“It was totally up to him but for me, now, I know I’m Roy’s number one captain and that’s a big confidence boost for me.”
Rio Ferdinand, Capello’s choice for captain, was injured during training and Gerrard felt John Terry was also ahead of him.
Gerrard said his relationship with the 67-year-old was otherwise fine.
“Our relationship was totally fine and I enjoyed working under him but, at the time, we had Rio Ferdinand here and maybe John Terry as well,” he said.
“Maybe he thought they were going to offer something different from me or they were his preferred choices.”
Gerrard wants other experienced members of England’s squad to use their leadership skills to support him, while he praised manager Roy Hodgson.
“Roy has the confidence in me to be the captain this time,” he said.
“I’d still behave in exactly the same way four years ago if John Terry had the armband on next to me.
“Just because I’m the captain we still have Frank Lampard, Wayne Rooney, Phil Jagielka in there and I want them to be leaders with me.
“But I will enjoy it more as captain rather than vice-captain this time round, of course.”
Oh boo hoo. Sad story
Its okay stevie there’s plenty that don’t belive in you
Nice to see the $cum fans are still around
Why are the English obsessed with this captain rubbish,who cares 11 players on a pitch,something on your sleeve makes no difference whatsoever
@tom Ryan exactly! ooh i have a big C on my arm so now you have to listen to me :( as if when hes not the captain he just shuts up and kicks a ball
England may actually do well in this tournament. The pressure seems to at an all time low, the media circus isn’t quiet in full swing and the squad seems a lot more casual than previous tournaments, especially under Capello in 2010
Yep I gotta say they’ve finally learned about being humble, and it actually makes them kind of (dare I say it) likeable.
Adrian just a tad too far…. How shall I put it…. Not as unbearable to listen to
Probably because you’re one of the most overrated players to ever step onto a diving soccerball pitch.
Stupid comment
What are u talking about Barry
England look reasonably capable up front. It’s at the back against the first decent opposition that they are going to be found out.
Excuses excuses
Gerrard is massively overrated!
Poor Steven !!
Too caught up in an armband! Should be honoured just to play for his country. Very self centred IMO.
What a great judge of players fabio was
And there I was thinking Capello didn’t have a clue !! Silly me