Capello arrives at Stamford Bridge with Blues looking for new boss... but he's here on official Russia duty
By RIK SHARMA
So Fabio Capello has arrived at Stamford Bridge this season after all.
But don't worry Rafa, he's not here for a secret meeting with Roman Abramovich - instead to take charge of Russia in their glamour friendly against Brazil on Monday night.
Capello took a stroll through Kensington on Sunday morning and then led a training session for his squad on Chelsea's pitch - though Yuri Zhirkov was already well acquainted with his surroundings having played there for two seasons.
You couldn't make it up: Fabio Capello in front of a Chelsea logo wearing a blue tracksuit
At the Bridge: Capello took a training session for his squad at Chelsea's ground
All together now: Capello talks to his Russia players ahead of the glamour friendly
The £18million signing failed to make an impact - with Chelsea favouring a 4-3-3 system which did not accomodate his favoured left midfield position position.
Perhaps his best spell came when Ashley Cole was injured - he slotted in at left-back and performed well.
Zhirkov departed for Anzhi Makhachkala in August 2011 for close to £13m.
Capello was focused on the job at hand and had no time to discuss speculation over a move to Chelsea.
He said: 'I know nothing about this. I am really happy with Russia and focused to qualify for the World Cup.'
Old haunt: Yuri Zhirkov played at Chelsea for two seasons but struggled to make a lasting impact
View from the Bridge: Russia's players prepare to face the likes of Neymar, Kaka and Oscar
He continued: 'They trained well yesterday and today, and the team is in a good moment of form. They are not tired and tomorrow will be at 100 per cent.
'It is a friendly game but it will be really important for me to note our value and also the value of some different players who have not played games at the top, top level. I will play some young players and it is a good test for us to improve.'
Capello's counterpart, Luiz Felipe Scolari, has history at Chelsea.
The World Cup winner had an ill-fated spell with the club in 2008, taking over from Avram Grant with Jose Mourinho's shadow still looming over the club.
Scolari brought in Deco and Jose Bosingwa and although he started well, things fell apart sooner rather than later.
Struggle: Luiz Felipe Scolari (left) was booted out by Roman Abramovich
He was out on his ear by February 9, with Abramovich wielding the axe as Chelsea's form dropped off.
Guus Hiddink came in and salvaged the season, taking them to the infamous Champions League semi-final tie with Barcelona and an FA Cup triumph.
Brazil's squad features three current Chelsea players - Oscar, David Luiz and Ramires.
Home: David Luiz, who captained Brazil against Italy, and Oscar, right, play at Stamford Bridge every other week
Talking heads: Hulk and Luiz were speaking to reporters before the game on Monday
The latter turned 26 on Sunday and although he missed the country's 2-2 draw with Italy, thanks to a strained right adductor, will be re-assessed before Monday's clash.
Defender Luiz posted this picture montage of him and Ramires on his Instagram account to celebrate his compatriot's birthday.
History: Luiz played with Ramires at Benfica and the pair are good friends now at Chelsea
P.S.
At Chelsea, Luiz has little competition in the 'wild hairstyle' stakes (although youngster Nathan Ake makes a good fist of it).
But with Brazil, he is in good company. He posted this picture of himself with defenders Marcelo, of Real Madrid, and Dante, from Bayern Munich.
I want curly hair too: Luiz (centre) with Marcelo (left) and Dante (right)
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