Former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger says he never expected Cesc Fabregas to enjoy ‘such rapid success’ at the start of his managerial career.
Fabregas announced his retirement in July 2023 having won practically every major trophy in the game, including Premier League, FA Cup and La Liga titles, as well as 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 end of his playing career.
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 an immediate impression and was named as Osian Roberts’ assistant before taking charge permanently last August, subsequently steering the club into Serie A for the first time in over two decades.
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Many tipped Como to be among those battling for survival in the Italian in the top flight, but the club far exceeded expectations across last season, finishing tenth in the table – just two places below seven-time European champions AC Milan.
‘The truth is, I didn’t expect such rapid success, but I do believe Fabregas will be a great coach in the future,’ Wenger told Marca when asked about Fabregas’ extraordinary start in management.
‘Sometimes, when you go so quickly from playing to coaching, it’s difficult to adapt, and he’s done it very quickly.
‘He’s invited me to come to Como to see him. At some point I’ll honour that invitation.’
According to Wenger, Fabregas was not the most vocal captain at Arsenal – but led from the front with his ‘character’ and attitude on the pitch.
‘It’s true that he didn’t say much in the dressing room, but he did have his character on the field,’ the Frenchman added.
‘He was more quiet with his team-mates and on the pitch, he was surrounded by great players, both at Arsenal and with the national team.
‘He understood the game well, he was intelligent, although I didn’t expect him to become a coach so quickly.’
Wenger has been similarly impressed by Xabi Alonso, but believes the Real Madrid job is on a completely different plain to what the Spaniard will have experienced at Bayer Leverkusen.
‘Xabi already mastered things at Bayer Leverkusen, but Real Madrid is on another level,’ he went on.
‘Mikel Arteta, I think he’s doing very well at Arsenal.’
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