Fabregas: Pep talks unbelievable
Posted Sunday, December 25, 2011 by ESPN
Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas says the amount of things he has learned from coach Pep Guardiola since joining the club in the summer has been "unbelievable".
Fabregas left the club for Arsenal in his mid-teens but last summer returned as a 24-year-old looking to fulfill his dream of playing for the Catalans.
The deal was initially looked at by some with skepticism as critics were unsure how much influence Fabregas could possibly have on a team already blessed with world class midfielders in Xavi and Andres Iniesta. However, the former Arsenal skipper has made a difference to Guardiola's side, chipping in with eight goals and five assists in La Liga this season so far.
"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 told Marca.
"What I have learned here in these months is unbelievable."
Guardiola's impact on Fabregas has been so strong that the midfielder is desperate for the chance to be able to work with him for many years to come. Guardiola's contract with the reigning European and Spanish champions runs out at the end of the season and he has resisted attempts by the club to get him to pen an extension.
Fabregas has urged his manager to stay.
"It would be very important for the club for him to stay for as many more years as possible," Fabregas said.
"The players perform well, but it is he who operates the machinery.
"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.
"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."
On Thursday, Barca romped into the last 16 of the Copa del Rey with a 9-0 victory over minnows Hospitalet at the Nou Camp.
According to the club's website, the lopsided victory enabled the team to set a new record for most goals scored in a year for a La Liga side.
Barca finish the year with 170 goals which is three goals more than Real Madrid's tally of 167 goals that was also set in the current campaign.
Photos
More»
[PICTURE SPECIAL] Arsenal 5-0 Chelsea
Wednesday April 24 2024
Marcos Llorente’s wife wows in barely there swimsuit
Wednesday April 24 2024
Your Say