Cesc Fàbregas revealed that decisions by his former manager at Barcelona prevented him from reaching the form he previously displayed at Arsenal, estadiodeportivo.com reported. The Como manager and former midfielder explained that strict positional play curtailed the total tactical freedom he enjoyed during his decade in English football.
The Catalan midfielder made 303 official appearances for Arsenal after arriving from Barcelona’s youth academy as a teenager. Under Arsène Wenger, Fàbregas served as club captain by age 21, scoring 57 goals and providing 95 assists while winning the FA Cup and Community Shield. He noted that Wenger granted him complete positional autonomy across the pitch, adding that Con Arsène Wenger no trabajábamos mucho, pero él me daba mucha libertad
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Tactical Restrictions in Spain
Barcelona paid 34 million euros in the summer of 2011 to secure Fàbregas’s return from Arsenal, at which point the native of Arenys de Mar was already an idol at the London club. Although he scored 15 goals during his debut campaign under Guardiola—whose squad claimed 14 trophies from 19 a possible—Fàbregas struggled to adapt as his tenure progressed because decisions by the former Manchester City manager, who is currently out of work, made it impossible for him to display the level shown at his previous team.
The introduction of Alexis Sánchez as a fixed central forward in his second season forced Fàbregas deeper into an interior midfield role, limiting his movement between opposing central defenders and attacking spaces.
Despite his lifelong ties to the Catalan club, Fàbregas admitted he never felt as comfortable at Camp Nou as he did during his years at Highbury. He left Barcelona in 2014 to join Chelsea for 33 million euros before finishing his playing career at Como, where he now manages the club in Serie A.
Future Management Prospects at Camp Nou
Fàbregas currently manages Como, having guided the Italian club to promotion to Serie A and securing European qualification last season.
At 39 years old, the former midfielder continues his transition into management while overseeing the Italian side where he concluded his playing career three years ago. Given his success at Como, many voices suggest he could become the next manager of Barcelona, although full confidence currently rests in Hansi Flick.
When Did Cesc Fàbregas Move Clubs?
When did Cesc Fàbregas return to Barcelona from Arsenal?
Barcelona signed Fàbregas in the summer of 2011 for a transfer fee of 34 million euros after he spent eight seasons with the North London club.
How many trophies did Pep Guardiola win during his tenure as Barcelona manager?
Guardiola won 14 titles out of 19 possible during his successful spell in charge of the Catalan club.
When did Fàbregas move to Chelsea?
After three seasons with Barcelona, Fàbregas returned to English football in 2014 to sign with Chelsea for 33 million euros.
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