‘Emperor’ Capello arrives in China

Despite boasting a long managerial career, Fabio Capello has probably never been welcomed to a new club quite like this. The former England boss was greeted at Nanjing Lukou International Airport by throngs of fans hailing him as their ‘Emperor’ as he arrived in China to take charge at Jiangsu Suning. As well as banners celebrating his arrival, the former AC Milan, Juventus and Real Madrid manager was presented with a bouquet of flowers and an official club scarf upon touching down in Asia.

The experienced Italian had been out of work since July 2015 when he was sacked as Russia manager, but he is now tasked with changing the fortunes of the Chinese Super League side are struggling at the wrong end of the table after taking just 8 points from their first 12 games. Along with his own experience, Capello can also rely on a back-room staff that includes World Cup winner Gianluca Zambrotta, who will act as Capello’s assistant and former Brescia boss Christian Brocchi, whose role has yet to be determined.

Capello will no doubt strive to follow in the footsteps of fellow countryman Marcello Lippi who won the Chinese Super League’s manager of the year award in 2013 when in charge at Guangzhou Evergrande.