You've turned me into a monster!
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Poignant
Fabio Capello: You've turned me into a monster! England boss turns on his critics ahead of Bulgaria clash
Fabio Capello admits his national status has slumped from a 'god' to a 'monster' since England's World Cup flop but he has promised to fight to save his job.
Capello turned on his critics ahead of the Euro 2012 qualifier against Bulgaria at Wembley, defending his tactics, his players and his record as England boss.
'You create the god and you create the monster,' said the Italian with a laugh. 'I remember what was written about me before this period. I live the same when you write well of me as I do when you write badly of me. This is my job and I have to live with the pressure.
Defiant: England manager Fabio Capello says he can live with the pressure
'We lost only one game in the World Cup, against Germany, after one big mistake from the referee. You don't remember this? I think so. But, after this, your opinion about me changed completely. But I live with this situation. It's no problem for me. I live. Sorry. It is easy to be the best when you win but, when you lose, you lose everything. You have to fight and I am a fighter.'
In his hour of need, Capello will show faith in many of the same players who let him down in South Africa. The England manager confirmed that Jermain Defoe and Wayne Rooney, the strikeforce which started in the 4-1 defeat to Germany, will again spearhead the team.
Head boy: Capello has backed Wayne Rooney to shine again for England
Rooney has not scored in 10 internationals, stretching back almost a year, but Capello said: 'He is good, he is back. Rooney will play with Defoe. I changed some things but not a lot.'
The changing face of Europe
England ditched 12 players from their World Cup squad for the forthcoming European Championship qualifiers, calling up 11 new faces. And they are not alone.
The rest of Europe has been at it too. Unlike at the World Cup, where countries had to select 23-strong squads, they are able to select a different sized group for the Euro qualifiers.
France.................... IN 15 OUT 14
Germany................ IN 4 OUT 6
Holland .................. IN 8 OUT 9
Spain ..................... IN 2 OUT 4
Portugal ............... IN 6 OUT 9
But Bulgaria coach Stanimir Stoilov believes the pressure could get to Rooney and urged Hungarian referee Viktor Kassai and his fellow officials to stamp out any aggression he might show towards his players.
Stoilov said: 'If Rooney is nervous because of his lack of goals he should be punished if he is too aggressive, but that is the referee's job. Rooney has great skills so I have to teach my players how to stop him on the pitch and not to provoke him. It is not the style of the Bulgaria national team to provoke. We came here to play fairly.'
But for injuries to Chelsea pair John Terry and Frank Lampard, the England team starting tonight would be close to the one thrashed by the Germans in Bloemfontein.
Everton defender Phil Jagielka trained yesterday and is expected to replace Terry in the back four.
West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper Scott Carson pulled out of the squad after a family bereavement and has been replaced by Watford's Scott Loach, recalled from Under 21 duty.
Capello hopes Carson will be able to rejoin his squad in time for Tuesday's game in Switzerland.