ANALYSIS
By Subhankar Mondal
So, where next for Fabio Capello? The Italian departed the Football Association's headquarters on Wednesday with his head held high in the knowledge of being England's most successful manager, statistically speaking.
With a win ratio that surpassed Glenn Hoddle, Sven-Goran Eriksson and even Sir Alf Ramsey, Capello, regardless of his inability to integrate his squad in South Africa at the World Cup in 2010, has proved to be competent at guiding a side safely through a qualification process.
Boasting such a CV, even without success at a major tournament during his time as England boss, is likely to attract potential suitors. Goal.com brings you a list of the teams that could come in for the 65-year-old.
Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad have just sacked their coach, Matjaz Kek, and are also about to embark on a crucial AFC Champions League campaign. One of the giants of Asian football and one of the more popular clubs in the continent, the Jeddah-based side could be induced to appoint Capello as their manager in order to settle the ship. Famous personalities such as Vanderlei Luxemburgo, Osvaldo Ardiles and Bruno Metsu have graced the dug-out of the club, who are not shy to target big footballing figures and could certainly afford the Italian.
Odds of job being Capello's next permanent job: 50/1
Anzhi Makhachkala have already stated their aim to establish themselves as one of the major clubs in European football with the signings of Samuel Eto’o and Roberto Carlos, and they are well aware that appointing Capello as their coach would enhance their profile and increase their chances of achieving success. Anzhi have been linked with a number of world class players and if they do sign at least some of them in the summer, then they would be eager to complete their jigsaw with the appointment of a world class manager.
Odds: 11/4
Inter are enduring a miserable season, and are currently struggling to finish in the top three places in Serie A. Were they to miss out on Champions League qualification, then it seems certain that coach Claudio Ranieri will follow Gian Piero Gasperini out of the San Siro door. Capello has been heavily linked with Inter in the Italian media, and president Massimo Moratti is a known admirer of the ex-Juventus boss having previously attempted to bring him to the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza in the past.
Odds: 7/2
Cesare Prandelli has done a remarkable job as the Italy national team coach since taking over after a disastrous 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa. However, should the Azzurri fail to perform at Euro 2012 in the summer, then he may be forced to leave and it is not impossible that the Italian FA turn to the man who knows Calcio inside out. This hypothesis is unlikely, though, due to the problems Capello has had with the Italian federation in the past, and their preference for younger, more forward-thinking coaches.
Odds: 10/1
Fabio Capello has already coached Real Madrid in two different spells and he has won La Liga on both occasions. But he had problems with his employers each time and his defensive style of football proved unpopular with the Santiago Bernabeu faithful in his last stint in Spain. However, should Jose Mourinho choose to leave Madrid at the end of the season, then Blancos president Florentino Perez will be forced to seek an able successor. And Capello could be the answer, if only because he will be one of the best available on the market.
Odds: 10/1
Spurs manager Harry Redknapp is the favourite to take over as the England head coach, if not immediately then in the summer. That would mean a vacancy at White Hart Lane and given Capello’s admiration of English football, and his availability, he would be a strong contender for the post. The Italian is famed for his ability to win league titles and given Spurs’ recent success in the Premier League and their surging ambition, they could present an offer.
Odds: 7/1
Or maybe Capello could just decide to retire ... he is already regarded as one of the best tacticians of all time, and having coached some of the world’s biggest clubs in Real Madrid, AC Milan and Juventus - winning a Champions League and nine league titles with four different clubs - it is not as if he has much left to prove. Due to turn 66 in June, now may be the time to call it a day. Unless of course, he wishes to bow out on a more positive note ...