New Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has left veteran midfielder Cesc Fabregas on the bench for all three of the Blues’ Premier League games this season, leading to speculation about the Spaniard’s future. However, Fabregas has insisted that Conte is relying on him this season.
After recording the highest assists in the league (18) in his debut title-winning season with Chelsea in 2014-15, Fabregas had a poor season last time around. He scored five goals and registered seven assists in the Premier League for the Blues in 2015-16, but now finds himself out of the first team under Antonio Conte.
Fabregas has made just one substitute appearance for Chelsea in their three games so far, sparking rumours that the 29-year-old midfielder was looking for a move away. It was even being reported recently that Conte had told him to find a new club.
However, the former Arsenal and Barcelona player has hit back at those rumours, stating on Twitter that he enjoys a good relationship with Antonio Conte. He further added that he intends to stay and fight for his place in the Chelsea team.
Contrary to what has been written, the manager and I have a good relationship and he has NEVER told me that I can leave. He said…/ctd
— Cesc Fàbregas Soler (@cesc4official) August 28, 2016
…/ctd that he counts on me, as I count on him. I will continue to fight for this club until the very end and when called upon …/ctd
— Cesc Fàbregas Soler (@cesc4official) August 28, 2016
…/ctd I will always give my very best. I’m fully committed to @ChelseaFC and my only goal is to help them win football matches.
— Cesc Fàbregas Soler (@cesc4official) August 28, 2016
Antonio Conte has preferred a midfield trio of N’golo Kante, Nemanja Matic and Oscar thus far this season given their tremendous work-rate and ball-winning abilities. Fabregas does have a role to play for Chelsea, but he will have to improve his game to break into the starting XI again.
The Catalan is one of the better playmakers in the league, but Antonio Conte demands more than skill and ability from his central midfielders. The Italian puts a lot of emphasis on work rate and physicality, as they are necessary to implement his style of play. Fabregas will have to up the ante in that respect to impress his new manager and fight his way into the starting lineup.
