MOSCOW (AP) — Russia is reportedly set to hire Fabio Capello as national soccer coach, and the former England coach is expected to be in Moscow soon to sign a contract.
The ITAR-Tass news agency quoted Russian soccer federation head Nikita Simonyan as saying the decision was made Monday and only a final agreement on contract terms remains.
Capello tells the Italian news agency ANSA that “if everything finishes in the best of ways, as the Russian federation has announced, I will be happy and proud.” He calls this a “splendid adventure.”
He emerged last week as the favorite among 13 candidates. He replaces Dick Advocaat, who resigned after Russia failed to advance beyond the group stage of the European Championship.
Capello left as England’s coach in February. He previously managed Real Madrid and Inter Milan.