Cesc Fabregas has played under some of the best managers in the world. He started his professional career at Arsenal as a teenager where Arsene Wenger put faith in him. He spent 8 years with the Gunners before moving back to his boyhood club Barcelona.
The playmaker did not have the best of times with the Catalans. He was either played out of position or was eclipsed in midfield by Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta. So after three unsuccessful seasons, he moved back to London but this time to Chelsea.
Despite playing under Pep Guardiola, arguably one of the best managers in the world, Fabregas insisted Wenger and Mourinho are the best managers he has worked with. Speaking to AS he said, “Wenger was the most important because he gave me the real chance to show what I can do when I was 16.”
A lack of silverware coupled with a desire to return to Spain left him no choice but move to Barcelona. But after his tough spell with the club, it was ‘The Special One ' that revived his career.
“Mourinho took me after a difficult moment and made me believe in myself again. He gave me a real chance and helped me win the Premier League, which was something I really wanted to do.” said the 29-year-old.
Fabregas had a wonderful first season with Chelsea. The playmaker was a crucial cog in the machine as the Blues wrapped up the title in quite comfortable fashion. He ended the season with the highest number of assists in the league, 18 to be exact, 2 short of Thierry Henry’s Premier League record.
But this season, Fabregas has had a torrid time. Chelsea had the worst possible start to their title defence. Jose Mourinho managed to win only 4 out of his 16 games in charge. His last game was against eventual champions Leicester City which the Blues lost 2-1 culminating in the end of his tenure.
Since Guus Hiddink took charge, Chelsea have recovered remarkably well. The Londoners are now 9th in the table after they were languishing in the bottom half at one point. Fabregas’ form has also returned which has been a big boost for the Blues.
Fabregas had earlier named Flamini as the best midfielder he’s played with, above the likes of Xavi and Iniesta. The Spaniard felt the hard work Flamini puts in was more important than Xavi and Iniesta’s contribution at Barcelona.
