LONDON: England coach Fabio Capello has said it is his "dream" to coach a Britain soccer team at the 2012 Olympics in London.
The Italian could face some high-profile opposition for the post - Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has been sounded out about the job by London 2012 chairman Sebastian Coe.
And there are fears that such a British team may not come into being because of concerns, reiterated by Scottish soccer chiefs on Wednesday, that such a side would jeopardize the independent international status of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Capello, whose England contract expires in 2012, remains keen on the post but in the meantime is concentrating his energies on reviving the fortunes of his current side - including telling the likes of Wayne Rooney and John Terry to stay off "ketchup and chips".
In an interview with the latest edition of FIFA Magazine, Capello said of his Olympic ambitions: "I will be 66 by then (2012) and I will have reached retirement age. Then I want to travel and visit all of the ancient cultures that fascinate me so much.
"But I would also like to make another of my dreams come true by taking part in the Olympic Games, something that I was denied as a player, and something that still fills me with regret.
"I think it's only fair that Great Britain should have a football team in the Olympics, but it is up to others to decide how, and with which players."
Capello revealed his first year in charge of England had been "very positive" but added there was still room for improvement.
"I have, for example, impressed upon them the advantages of a Mediterranean diet over ketchup and chips," the former AC Milan and Real Madrid manager said.
"I have also put some rules of conduct in place for when the national team meets up. The players have been very cooperative, and that is a clear indication of the high level of professionalism at their clubs."
Capello, appointed after Steve McClaren exited following England's failure to qualify for this year's European Championships, said he didn't understand how the country that gave the sport to the world had lost so much of its football prestige.
"We have to rediscover the fighting spirit that English football has always been famous for."
Capello was equally baffled by England's "fear" of playing at their Wembley home in north London.
"We have to get over this absurd fear of playing at Wembley, where criticism from the crowd has often paralyzed the team in recent years.
"I can remember the 'lion's roar' of Wembley, but recently that roar has turned into boos and moans because of the team's disappointing performances and results," he added.
"Our aim now is to continue on our run of victories as it will not only restore the players' belief in their own abilities, but also the fans' faith in the team. We will play more attractive football when we have more confidence."
Source: China Daily/ AFP
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