One of Fabio Capello’s first tasks as Russia coach will be to confront captain and Arsenal midfielder Andrei Arshavin over a breakdown in his relationship with Russian fans, Capello said Thursday.
Arshavin featured in a video that emerged after Russia’s group stage exit at Euro 2012 in which he appeared to say that it was the fans’ fault if the team did not meet their expectations. The precise circumstances surrounding the video are unclear.
Since the tournament, Arshavin has been the subject of strong criticism from some Russian fans over the video and what some perceived as a sub-par performance at Euro 2012.
“I’m trying to work out what led to this dislike from the fans,” Capello said, before suggesting that the issue could cost Arshavin the captaincy.
“I should get to know Arshavin, to understand how this situation arose between him and the fans and then talk about the captain’s armband.”
Capello said that he was keen to strengthen ties to Russian supporters.
“I’ve already said that the fans are an important component, and that we expect their support.”
Capello said he would fly to Germany to meet Arshavin, who will be training there with the Arsenal squad ahead of a friendly with 1.FC Koeln on August 12.
Arshavin, 31, first captained Russia in 2006, and has led the team on a regular basis since 2009.
Capello was unveiled as Russia coach at RIA Novosti on Thursday after signing a two-year contract.
He left England in Febuary after clashing with the English FA over the captaincy when English football bosses took the armband from John Terry, who was then facing racism charges of which he was subsequently cleared.
The Italian’s reign kicks off with a friendly against the Ivory Coast on August 15.
After the Ivory Coast game, Russia will then have two World Cup qualifying games, one at home to Northern Ireland on September 7 and one away to Israel on September 11.
