Capello's fate was sealed in February: Real chairman

MADRID (AFP) — Real Madrid chairman Ramon Calderon says he made up his mind to dump title-winning Italian Fabio Capello as coach as early as February because fans perceived his team's style as negative, AS reported on Monday.

"Madrid must seek excellence and stylish play," said Calderon, who will have to stump up some six million euros (eight million dollars) in compensation after pushing Capello through the door and lining up Getafe's Bernd Schuster in his place.

Calderon said the traditional on-field effervescence that fans demand at the Bernabeu had been little in evidence under Capello, despite a last-gasp championship win which gave the club its first silverware since 2003.

Real ended the season on a roll after Capello saw the light and recalled David Beckham, earlier banished after announcing in ...