PREMIER LEAGUE
Cesc Fabregas: “The Premier League is the objective”
The former Arsenal, Chelsea and Barcelona midfielder has begun his coaching career with Italian side Como 1907 but is aiming for a return to England.
Cesc Fabregas hung up his boots this summer, ending his trophy-laden playing career with a one-year stint with Italian side Como 1907.
After two decades as a professional he could have been forgiven for wanting some time away from the game, but he has already embarked on the first stage of his coaching journey.
The Spanish World Cup winner is now coaching Como’s ‘B’ and youth teams. In a recent interview with Sky Sports, Fabregas said that he feels rejuvenated after taking up the role in Italy.
“Since I’ve started coaching, from day one, the fire is back,” he explained. “Something has been brought back inside me from my early days that I had lost. Something I haven’t felt for some time.”
He is clearly loving life in northern Italy, living beside the stunning Lake Como, but he is open about his managerial goals.
“The Premier League is the objective; it is the biggest dream a coach can have” Fabregas admitted.
“But let’s keep improving. Have I got it in me? Time will tell. I believe so much in my methodology and every day you learn so much. Expectations are there but it is what you do and how you manage those expectations.”
Former clubs Arsenal and Chelsea on the right track
Fabregas keeps an eye on his previous clubs and saw his two English former sides - Arsenal and Chelsea - experience very different seasons in 2022/23. The Gunners staged an unlikely title push with a team of young players, while Chelsea slipped to their lowest league finish in more than two decades.
However, just three games in to the new Premier League campaign, Fabregas said that he has seen enough to know that both teams are heading in the right direction.
“Arsenal will compete for the title again; they are stronger than last season,” he claimed.
When asked about Chelsea’s prospects, the former Premier League title winner said that he can “see what they are trying to do.”
“A young, dynamic, powerful team. The players they have signed are top quality. It is about putting them together and letting them grow.”
Fabregas full of praise for England midfielders
During his time at Arsenal Fabregas developed into one of the most coveted midfielders in the world. At the age of just 21 he was named Arsenal captain and was selected in the Premier League Team of the Year twice.
Now, believes that the new generation of English midfielders rank among the best in the world.
When asked about Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham, Fabregas said that he “rates him highly,” and added: “He has the personality and the quality. Whatever he did yesterday, he will want to do better tomorrow.”
Likewise he was full of praise of Declan Rice, who signed for Arsenal earlier this summer. Despite the £105 million ($132m) transfer fee, Fabregas believes that Rice will be a good signing for the Gunners.
“Declan Rice is fantastic,” Fabregas told Sky Sports. “His personality brings a new dimension to the team, and he doesn’t really need too much time to adapt because he is so smart. He could be a big leader for Arsenal.”