Moscow: Fabio Capello will have to prove himself if appointed Russia coach, former Everton midfielder Diniyar Bilyaletdinov said on Tuesday.
Capello, a five-time Italian league and two-time Spanish league champion, who is expected to be confirmed in the coming days, Monday said that he would be "happy" and "proud" if the negotiations with the Russian Football Union finish successfully.
But Spartak Moscow winger Bilyaletdinov, who lost his place in the Russia side under Dick Advocaat, warned nothing is taken for granted for the 66-year-old coach.
"You can`t live off your past achievements," said Bilyaletdinov. "Now the championship starts, European Cups, then the qualification campaign for the World Cup and we will see."
Bilyaletdinov, who has scored six goals in 46 appearances for the Russian national team, played in every game during Russia`s charge to the semi-finals of Euro 2008.
But he suffered a shock snub by Advocaat, not even included in his provisional 26-man Euro 2012 squad.
If confirmed, Capello`s first game in charge would be August 15 friendly against the Ivory Coast in Moscow.
He has been unemployed since February, when he resigned from his position as England manager after four years in charge, in protest at interference in team affairs from the country`s FA.
IANS
First Published: Wednesday, July 18, 2012, 09:41