A report in El Confidencial alleges that Cesc Fabregas has begun the season with less of a first-team role at Barcelona as punishment by Tito Vilanova.
The publication allege that Vilanova, who for the previous four seasons was assistant Coach to the senior team under Pep Guardiola’s management, took exception this month to an interview Fabregas gave.
Mid-August saw the midfielder criticise Guardiola’s methods last season as he suggested he struggled to find a space within them.
It is reported that the player’s minimal involvement in the two legs of the Super Cup against Real Madrid – he only played eight minutes in the first leg as a substitute and was unused in the second leg – was the result of Vilanova’s reaction to his quotes.
The former Arsenal man has started both League games so far this term, but has been replaced in both by the hour mark and is allegedly set to be dropped this weekend in favour of Alex Song.
El Confidencial allege that the player has not taken to the situation with a positive frame of mind
