Russia’s new national football coach Fabio Capello received advice on life in Russia from compatriot Luciano Spalletti, who coaches Russia’s reigning champions Zenit St Petersburg, local media reported Monday.
After Sunday’s match at the Petrovsky stadium, which Zenit won 2-0 over the visitors Amkar Perm, Capello visited Zenit’s dressing room and had a friendly talk with Spalletti.
“Fabio (Capello) is a great figure and a coach with a tremendous experience,” Spalletti was quoted as saying.
“He will never develop his outlook relying only on somebody’s opinion as his own experience is the most important thing for him.”
“In general only few Italians have a clear view of the situation in Russia. That’s why I told Fabio some things about life in Russia. I hope our conversation will be helpful for him.”
Spalletti added that he also introduced some of Zenit players to Capello.
“I introduced (Vladimir) Bystrov, who missed Euro 2012 because of an injury and (Alexander) Bukharov, who was also playing for the Russian national squad, to Capello,” Spalletti said.
“But first of all he was interested in our video footage. Fabio is also going to travel a lot across Russia watching the league’s matches to collect his own impressions about the candidates for the national side.”
“I have a similar approach when I start working in a new team. I believe that only what you see with your eyes is really true information.”
Russia earlier this month announced it had hired Capello as the new national coach after the squad’s bitterly disappointing first round exit from Euro 2012. He is due to sign his contract on Wednesday, officials have said.
