With current Inter coach Leonardo negotiating for an executive position with Paris Saint-Germain, the Gazzetta dello Sport reported Monday that Capello is now the most logical choice for club president Massimo Moratti. “I want a coach I can trust,” Moratti told the Gazzetta. “We want someone with experience and charisma.” However, Moratti was hesitant to dwell on Capello, saying only, “Eh, Capello. … I don't want to offend anyone, Italians or foreigners.” Capello's contract with England expires after next year's European Championship, but Moratti said he wants to appoint a new coach by the end of this week. Moratti said he thought about Andre Villas-Boas, but was turned off by the 15 million euro release clause in the Portuguese manager's contract with FC Porto. Efforts to bring in former Argentina coach Marcelo Bielsa also failed, and Moratti said he wasn't going after Turkey coach Guus Hiddink. Capello's career as a club coach before joining England was marked by success after success with high-profile clubs AC Milan, Real Madrid, Roma and Juventus. England general manager Franco Baldini, Capello's right-hand man, has already reportedly agreed to an executive position with Roma. Meanwhile, Leonardo is still under contract with Inter. “My relationship with Leo is great. He calls me each evening to tell me he still hasn't signed (with PSG) and so he's still Inter's coach,” Moratti said. “But I understand that he loves being in management, not coaching. He didn't like being on the bench. It's better this happened now rather than midway through the season.”
