Capello over-ruled on Becks
David Beckham has earned a surprise recall to Real Madrid's squad for Saturday's trip to Real Sociedad after a combination of player power and orders from on high forced manager Fabio Capello into a uncharacteristic U-turn. The usually uncompromising Italian coach insisted Beckham's decision to sign a five-year £128 million deal with MLS side LA Galaxy meant he would not feature for Real for the remainder of the season.
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However, senior figures in the Real dressing such as Raul, Michel Salgado, Iker Casillas, Ivan Helguera and Guti have all recently voiced their support for the former England skipper and have called on Capello to restore him to the side. That support has also come on the back of a disastrous run for Real, with the Spanish press using Capello's treatment of Beckham as yet another stick with which to beat the increasingly unpopular former Juventus boss. Many are predicting that Capello could be forced out if they lose against Sociedad after back-to-back league defeats, but whatever the result, the inclusion of Beckham will at least spare the Real chief any extra criticism. In addition, Beckham's attitude to be being frozen-out - he has not featured since coming off the bench in the 2-0 defeat to Deportivo la Coruna on January 7 - has found favour in the Bernabeu corridors of power. Beckham has been his usual conscientious self in training ever since being told he is surplus to requirements for the remainder of the season and has resisted criticising Capello's decision, preferring simply to state his readiness and eagerness to play. Despite his name appearing on the squad list however, Beckham is unlikely to start on Saturday night. Capello's view is that should he bring on Beckham later in the game at least the clamour for his return from the club, players and fans alike will have been satisfied.
