'Capello is a tough coach'

Kazan (Russia), July 8 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Brazil's 1994 World Cup-winning defender Aldair has warned the Russian national team that Fabio Capello, a contender for the vacant manager's position, is a tough coach to work with.

Officials from the Russian Football Union (RFU) are to fly to Italy Wednesday for talks with the 66-year-old, and plan to offer him a two-year deal to take Russia through the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Aldair, who spent four years under Capello at AS Roma in Italian Serie A, praised him as a result-yielding and hard-working coach.

"Capello is quite a tough coach, as far as I can see," the 46-year-old, now a football agent, told R-Sport.

"But you never have an easy time with Capello. It's beyond doubt that he is a very important person in the world football."

Aldair won the 2001 Seria A title and the super cup under Capello.

Capello resigned after four years in charge of England in February, in protest at interference in team affairs from the country's FA.

Capello has vast experience in the game, also listing AC Milan, Juventus, Real Madrid among former clubs he has coached.

Russia is searching for a replacement for Dick Advocaat, who stepped down after Russia's humiliating group stage exit from Euro 2012.

--IANS/RIA Novosti

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