Capello plots path for Madrid future

Fabio Capello is calling for hard work and humility as he bids to return nine-time European champions Real Madrid CF to success at home and abroad.

'Lost spirit'
The 60-year-old Italian was unveiled at the Santiago Bernabéu today and immediately vowed to restore lost spirit. "I'm really looking forward to working with this club," he said. "I'm convinced this is the biggest club in the world. We have to win trophies and to do that we have to work hard, be humble and rediscover the spirit of Real Madrid. I think we have lost that spirit in recent years." One of his first tasks will be to get busy in the transfer market, with the likes of Roberto Carlos and Ronaldo tipped to leave along with the retired Zinédine Zidane.

'Born winner'
Club president Ramón Calderón, appointed following Sunday's election, said one of the reasons the former Juventus coach was hired was the way he revived the side during his first spell at Madrid a decade ago. "Getting Fabio Capello was an obsession of mine because he is a born winner," said Calderón. "The 1996/97 season, when he took over a team in crisis, is fixed in my memory. He took over a team that had come sixth in the league and led them to the championship."

No interference
Madrid were second to FC Barcelona last term but have not lifted a trophy for three seasons. In contrast, Capello steered Juventus to the Italian title for the past two campaigns, having previously won the league four times with AC Milan, where he also claimed the 1994 European Champion Clubs' Cup, and once with AS Roma. Calderón said he would not infringe on Capello's work with the players. "Capello and [sporting director Predrag] Mijatović will work together without any interference from me or the rest of the board," he said. "He is here to restore the self-esteem of the players, to instil order and discipline and give them necessary affection too. It is a difficult task but he is a master of this art."