Sunday, August 31, 2008
Capello starves England players
Miserable England players have turned to comfort foods as they prepare for their crucial World Cup qualifiers, directly challenging the authority of boss Fabio Capello.
The hardman Italian has introduced a strict regime which forces the national squad to go up to eight hours without food after training sessions.
But top stars have smuggled bags of crisps and chocolate bars into their rooms as they fight hunger pangs, according to reports.
Sources say the uncompromising 62-year-old's fasting plan - which applies only when they play for England - backfired in the recent drawn friendly with the Czech Republic, causing a lethargic performance.
According to reports, the diet plan even saw one player - believed to be Rio Ferdinand - vomit at half-time during the friendly.
The source said: 'One senior player started suffering stomach cramps and was sick all over the dressing room floor. This isn’t about the players being greedy. But suddenly they were going long periods with nothing to eat and their systems couldn’t cope.'
The hardman Italian has introduced a strict regime which forces the national squad to go up to eight hours without food after training sessions.
But top stars have smuggled bags of crisps and chocolate bars into their rooms as they fight hunger pangs, according to reports.
Sources say the uncompromising 62-year-old's fasting plan - which applies only when they play for England - backfired in the recent drawn friendly with the Czech Republic, causing a lethargic performance.
According to reports, the diet plan even saw one player - believed to be Rio Ferdinand - vomit at half-time during the friendly.
The source said: 'One senior player started suffering stomach cramps and was sick all over the dressing room floor. This isn’t about the players being greedy. But suddenly they were going long periods with nothing to eat and their systems couldn’t cope.'
