Cesc Fabregas desperate for coach Pep Guardiola to stay at Barcelona

Posted Saturday, December 24, 2011 by YAHOO Sport

Barcelona’s Cesc Fabregas has been astounded by just how much he has learned from playing under Pep Guardiola since his return to Camp Nou in the summer.

The 24-year-old midfielder has slotted seamlessly into the European champion's side since his transfer back to Spain, but insisted that it is his coach who deserves most of the credit for his impressive form.

"My dream has been to be a Barca player since childhood, but now if you want to play here it is for Pep, because he knows how to get the best out of players,” Fabregas is quoted as saying by Marca. "What I have learned here in these months is unbelievable."

Consequently, Fabregas conceded that he is desperate for Guardiola to sign a long-term contract with the club.

"It would be very important for the club for him to stay for as many more years as possible," he said to the same outlet. “The players perform well, but it is he who operates the machinery.”

The 24-year-old also admitted that playing with Barca has proven even more enjoyable than he hoped it would be.

"I'm enjoying the game as much as I ever have, and it shows that there are always things in this world of football that you never think of," he explained. "On television you see Barca play great football, but when you're in [the team] it’s awesome. It’s great to be a part of this team."

Fabregas has scored eight goals in 12 appearances in La Liga this season, while at the same time contributing five assists.