Former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger says he never expected Cesc Fabregas to enjoy ‘such rapid success’ at first of his managerial profession.
Fabregas announced his retirement in July 2023 having won practically every major trophy in the sport, including Premier League, FA Cup and La Liga titles, in addition to the 2010 World Cup.
In his announcement, Fabregas revealed that he would immediately begin work as manager of Como’s Under-19 team, with the Spaniard obtaining his coaching badges towards the tip of his playing profession.
Moreno Longo’s dismissal saw the ex-Arsenal, Chelsea and Barcelona midfielder promoted to the role of first-team head coach in November 2023, initially on an interim basis.
But Fabregas made a direct impression and was named as Osian Roberts’ assistant before taking charge permanently last August, subsequently leading the club into Serie A for the primary time in over twenty years.
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Many tipped Como to be amongst those battling for survival within the Italian top flight, however the club far exceeded expectations across last season, ending tenth within the table – just two places below seven-time European champions AC Milan.
‘The reality is, I didn’t expect such rapid success, but I do imagine Fabregas shall be an awesome coach in the long run,’ Wenger told Marca when asked about Fabregas’ extraordinary start in management.
‘Sometimes, while you go so quickly from playing to coaching, it’s difficult to adapt, and he’s done it in a short time.
‘He’s invited me to come back to Como to see him. Sooner or later I’ll honour that invitation.’
In accordance with Wenger, Fabregas was not essentially the most vocal captain at Arsenal – but led from the front along with his ‘character’ and attitude on the pitch.
‘It’s true that he didn’t say much within the dressing room, but he did have his character on the sphere,’ the Frenchman added.
‘He was more quiet along with his team-mates and on the pitch, he was surrounded by great players, each at Arsenal and with the national team.
‘He understood the sport well, he was intelligent, although I didn’t expect him to turn out to be a coach so quickly.’
Wenger has been similarly impressed by Xabi Alonso, but believes the Real Madrid job is on a totally different plain to what the Spaniard can have experienced at Bayer Leverkusen.
‘Xabi already mastered things at Bayer Leverkusen, but Real Madrid is on one other level,’ he went on.
‘Mikel Arteta, I believe he’s doing thoroughly at Arsenal.’
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