Medical expert... lifestyle coach... personal shopper: is there no beginning to Fabio Capello's talents?

By Steve Stammers

Published 08:00 14/09/11

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Is there no limit to the talents of Fabio Capello?

We were all thinking that the £6million-a-year he earns from the Football Association was the rather exorbitant salary he receives for the 10 or so matches the England team play during the course of a season. And only half of those, by the way, are competitive.

Not so, apparently.

Capello has emerged as both a medical expert and a lifestyle coach judging by his comments about Arsenal's treatment of Jack Wilshere and the alleged wayward social life of Liverpool's Andy Carroll.

First, Wilshere.

He has an ankle problem that he aggravated playing for England against Switzerland in June. Capello was surprised that he will be out until November.

"Arsenal knew about the problem in June," he said ahead of the Euro qualifier against Wales.

Spot on Fabio. Wilshere was diagnosed with bone bruising and he needed rest - which is why Arsenal gave him the summer off. It was an insult to the club's medical team, which is recognised as one of the best in the country and works with the most up-to-date of of facilities.

Now, Carroll.

Capello suggested he drink less and be aware of his responsibilities as a professional footballer.

Anyone who saw the way Kenny Dalglish bristled when he was asked to respond to the Italian's assertion could be forgiven for thinking that the deadpan expression of the wily Scot masked a deep resentment.

"I am sure that Andy will take on board advice," said Dalglish, who then made it clear that he has no problem with the way Carroll lives his life. Read into that what you want.

And there's more.

Capello is also well-versed in the shopping habits on the Costa del Sol on a Saturday morning and what is needed to win a Formula One race.

The proof? On the first day of the Premier League season, Capello could have been watching a whole cluster of his England players in any number of matches up and down the country.

Where was he? In a supermarket in Marbella.

And last weekend? While the likes of Wayne Rooney, Ashley Young, John Terry, Ashley Cole and Joe Hart were in action, Capello was at Monza watching the Italian Grand Prix.

See what I mean?

We just thought we were getting a talented football coach who can even spot a lack lustre performance on the way during a warm-up.

Shame he couldn't do anything to change the mind set before the action started.

Maybe his mind was elsewhere.

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