Fabio Capello has controversially remarked that “football’s not for sissies” in response to claims that Atletico Madrid are a violent team.
Los Colchoneros have been perceived by some media quarters to adopt an uber-physical style of play, but the former Real Madrid Coach, now in charge of Russia, believes their aggression has been wrongly misconstrued for dirtiness.
“Atleti aren’t a violent team. Football’s not for sissies,” he told Onda Cero.
“They’re are a team who play with extra courage, unlike [Real] Madrid and Barca.
“They have a very big desire to suffer, win and play as a team.
“There’s no such thing as a violent team, who will cut your legs [into two] when you walk onto the pitch.
“They play physical football. It’s been around for a lifetime.”
Although literally translating into ‘ladybird’ and considered the Spanish equivalent of ‘sissy’, the term ‘mariquitas’ can also be interpreted as a homophobic slur.