EXCLUSIVE: Capello claims player punch-ups are GOOD for team spirit!

Fabio Capello has claimed FIGHTING is good for team spirit.

England boss Capello has got a reputation as a disciplinarian but backed two players for having a punch-up while in charge at Juventus.

Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has revealed that Capello supported him after a training ground bust-up with French defender Jonathan Zebina.

In his book "I Am Zlatan", Milan striker Ibrahimovic even says Lillian Thuram was given a dressing down by Capello for trying to intervene.

Ibrahimovic, who punched Zebina after allegedly being headbutted, said: "Thuram made Capello angry and he screamed: 'Shut up and leave him alone.'"

Both Zebina and Ibrahimovic got fines for the bust-up but Capello praised the Swede later. "It was good for the team," Capello said.

Ibrahimovic also admits he had another bust-up with ex-Arsenal hardman Patrick Vieira. "You can't be nice in this sport," said Ibrahimovic. "We showed that we both were winners."

But Ibrahimovic also credits Capello for making him the player that he is today after enjoying spells at Inter and Barcelona after beginning his career at Ajax.

Ibrahimovic added: "Step by step I evolved in to the player I am today, the man who leaves the pitch after losing so angry that nobody dares to come near me.

"It can seem as a negative thing. I scare a lot of younger players. I scream and act out. I'll get spells of rage.

"Capello didn't just beat Ajax out of me, he made me the guy that comes to a club and demands that they should win the league, whatever it takes, and it has helped me, no doubt about it."