Sometimes the games that are played off the field in professional sports,are more important than the ones played in-between the white lines. Of course that applies to almost all areas of life, in that quite often interpersonal dynamics can determine ones success or lack of the same, as much, or sometimes even more than pure skill or ability. Anytime you have more than two people in a room, political like games are being played in terms of domination and influence.
With that in mind, England coach Fabio Capello seems to have had a dramatic change of heart, when it comes to the possibility of playing former captain and global soccer icon, David Beckham. With the former Manchester United star unable to play for England in the recent World Cup because of a torn Achilles tendon, it was made clear after the Three Lions disappointing play in the tournament, where Beckham served as an assistant coach, that Capello intended to go with young players. It was also asserted by the head coach, that it was time for the London native to have one last farewell in front of the England fans, so he could be properly recognized and saluted by the loyal legion of Lions fans
Capello was absolutely massacred by the media for this announcement, especially when it became clear that he had not yet spoken to Beckham ahead of the announcement, to advise him of his plans. Beckham’s agent further added to the coach’s humiliation, when he told the soccer scribes that the L.A. Galaxy midfielder had no immediate plans to retire, and that as far as he was concerned, he was still capable of, and wanting to participate with England’s national team.
Fabio found out fast, that football has a pecking order too, just like everything else in life. So it seems that he has now realized, that even though he is the coach, his status on the soccer staircase is only above Beckham in title, and nothing else. Therefore, it is not surprising at all, that Capello has dramatically changed his stance pertaining to his former assistant coach from this past summer.
As recently reported by ESPNsoccernet, Capello’s comments are quite different than they were about a month ago: “ First, Beckham has to be playing again but the door is always open. We’re monitoring all the players. Once he recovers and is in really good condition, we will have a chat…….I think the future is with the youth but after that, I will decide which players to choose. We know the value of the different older players………..we have to think about the Euros but no player is out.”
Pertaining to Beckham specifically, the England coach added: “ The relationship between me and David is really good. I spoke with him on the phone because he was part of the staff at the World Cup. Usually, I don’t speak with players but in this case I spoke with David.”
Fabio fumbled in his first foray into public relations. For the time being at least, it seems that coach Capello conceptualizes that the Lions den can be dangerous,especially for those who work in it.