New Chelsea coach, Antonio Conte has opted for a midfield trio of Nemanja Matic, summer signing N’Golo Kante, and Oscar, in an attempt to provide more defensive nous and bring more energy to his midfield, leaving Cesc Fabregas out in the cold.
This brought about a string of transfer rumours linking the playmaker with clubs in Italy as well as Real Madrid in Spain. The midfielder has rubbished these reports saying, “Real Madrid? Maybe they called me or maybe not. But I didn’t think to leave, not even for one second.
“I’m tired of the news that says I’m offering myself to other clubs. I’m one more of the team and I’ll keep fighting to play here. If I knew that I have no level to play in this team, I would leave, but I'm happy here. It hurts a lot not to play, but I know that I have enough level to play here and I will give my best," he concluded.
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Fabregas was signed by Chelsea in the summer of 2014 and immediately led them to a Premier League title, providing the most assists in the league that season. His second season at the club was one where he experienced a completely different set of emotions, as Chelsea played poorly and finished 10th in the league table.
Such a disastrous season could only mean one thing at Chelsea, and Antonio Conte was hired to coach the team following Jose Mourinho’s epic meltdown and Guus Hiddink’s interim term.
The Spaniard has responded strongly though, as he inspired Chelsea to a comeback victory against Leicester in EFL cup on Tuesday, scoring two goals, and was praised by boss Antonio Conte for his exemplary behaviour while not in the starting XI.
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Chelsea boss Conte said “I am pleased for Cesc because he played a good game, he showed me great commitment in the training sessions. I am satisfied when I see his behaviour. This is the right way and I want my players to create good competition and, game by game, give me the opportunity to choose the best lineup.”
Chelsea travel to the Emirates Stadium to face Arsenal in the league on Saturday. Arsenal come into the game in good form, having defeated Hull City 4-1 in the last round of fixtures, while Chelsea will be hoping to turn around their luck after their last a result, a 1-2 loss to Liverpool.
Fabregas will be hoping that Conte rewards his good work with a place in the starting XI.
