New England manager Fabio Capello has apointed Steven Gerrard as captain for Wednesday’s friendly against Switzerland, his first match in charge.
The Liverpool midfielder takes on the role in the absence of the injured John Terry, but Capello has told him that the appontment is a temporary one.
Capello said: “Gerrard is important because he can pass on things, transmit things and inspire the players.
“But I will not name a permanent captain before the Andorra match.”
Capello revealed that he told his players of the decision before announcing it to the media.
Regarding his decision not to select David Beckham for the squad, Capello said: “The most important thing is to talk about the players who will play tomorrow not the ones who will not play.”
Newspaper reports claim that Capello has introduced a strict disciplinary regime with suggestions that he had banned players from using their mobiles, called them by their last names and is also keen to discourage the presence of wives and girlfriends.
He said: “We need to create a way of working, and that’s why I felt the need to set some rules.
“For example, we will all eat together, leave the table together – it is all about respecting each other. And being punctual is key.
“We all have a role to play – they are the players and I am the manager.”
Capello was speaking through an interpreter at the news conference and was asked by one reporter to answer in English.
However, Capello ignored the request, saying: “I will speak English with you when I can be sure that I know all the right words, because you are very good at twisting things and I am very careful.
“I can communicate with the players much more easily – I am happy with my English with them.”
