Hoddle - An impossible job

Hoddle: England an impossible job

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Glenn Hoddle believes Fabio Capello's lack of English will be an advantage during the early stages of his reign as national team coach.

Capello was appointed as Steve McClaren's replacement last month and the Italian is keen to quickly grasp the language.

But, describing the role as an 'impossible job', former England boss Hoddle feels Capello can avoid much of the criticism which comes with the territory.

"The England job is an impossible job," Hoddle told The Times. "I think that the England job, particularly for an Englishman, is tougher than being Prime Minister.

"The only time when things are more difficult for a Prime Minister is when he is making the decision to go to war and putting someone else's life on the line.

Advice

"The thing about being Prime Minister is that nobody really gets an opportunity to approach you and talk politics.

"But everywhere you go as England coach - if you are in a garage getting petrol, if you are in a restaurant having dinner with your wife, if you are in an airport lounge - you will have people telling you how to do your job.

"I am not sure that the England manager should be paid as much as he is now, but one of the reasons that the salary is so high is because of the incredible level of intrusion.

"The one advantage Capello has from that perspective is his lack of English. When I went to France to play I was not good for the first six months, but I never saw the things written about me because I couldn't read French.

"In the same way, Capello can distance himself from what the press is saying. I would advise him not to read the papers unless there is something that he really needs to know."