London, June 4 (IANS) England manager Fabio Capello has defined David Beckham’s role as a liaison between players and management during the football World Cup in South Africa.
Capello feel that Beckham is in a unique position because of his experience and the respect he commands within the squad. Beckham will also be encouraged to observe players in training throughout the tournament and report back to Capello.
The Daily Telegraph reported that Beckham, who has been ruled out of the tournament with an Achilles injury, will be the right-hand man to England general manager Franco Baldini, who is Capello’s key lieutenant.
Capello had already played down Beckham’s role with the squad, and said that he would be a good ambassador. Capello also did not want to define a coaching role, especially as Beckham does not have any qualifications or experience, although he is listed as a member of the technical staff and will be much more than a cheerleader.
The midfielder may get involved in working with individual players if there is an aspect of their game Capello believes he can help to improve, although his main task will be to observe and provide his comments.
This will also extend to whether any of the players have problems or things they want to discuss. They may, Capello feels, find it easier to talk to Beckham, who has played at three previous World Cups and has 115 caps, than anyone else in the management team.
Beckham will also help to reduce Baldini’s workload. In effect, Beckham will become a middleman, a link between the players and the management.
