Capello defends Atletico Madrid; Says soccer is not for wimps

Former England boss Fabio Capello defended the tactics used by Diego Simeone and Atletico Madrid by saying the reigning La Liga champions were not a “violent” team and that the sport is not for “wimps.”

The comments come during an interview with Spanish radio. Capello, who is currently the coach of Russia’s national team, has also managed some of Europe’s top clubs: AC Milan, AS Roma, Juventus and Real Madrid.

When asked if he thought Atletico Madrid were a violent team, the Italian manager responded: “Atletico are not a violent team; football isn’t for wimps.”

“Atletico are all about suffering, playing and winning as a team. This thing about being a violent team is nonsense. A violent team is one that cuts your legs off as soon as you come on.”

“Football is physical; it always has been.”

Capello went on to say that he believed Real Madrid had more quality in their squad than Barcelona, but confessed that the Catalan club are playing more like a “team”. The Former Real Madrid boss said Los Blancos need their players with “character” to remain fit and lead the team through adversity.

“The quality of Real’s squad is above that of Barcelona and that of all other teams,” he added. “The problem is that at Real Madrid they think that by having a few good forwards everything will turn out alright.”

“To play at their very best, Real Madrid need the players with most character and quality. They need Pepe and Ramos.”

“Barcelona are playing as a team, while before they were playing as individuals.”

Programming notes: 

• Barcelona vs. Malaga will be shown LIVE on Saturday starting at 9:55am EST on beINSPORTS and DishWorld.

• Atletico Madrid vs. Almeria will be shown LIVE on Saturday starting at 1:55pm EST on beINSPORTS en espanol and DishWorld.

• Elche vs. Real Madrid will be shown LIVE on Sunday starting at 2:55pm EST on beINSPORTS and DishWorld.