Cesc Fabregas has taken a positive stance on Spain’s goalkeeper debate, backed Mesut Ozil to succeed at Arsenal and reflected on missing Tito Vilanova.
Vilanova stepped down as Barcelona Coach over the summer after just a year in charge, due to ill health. His former midfielder, now working under Tata Martino, admitted that the squad have not yet forgotten the 44-year-old.
“It was a great misfortune, whilst now it is important that he is well, heals and rests,” Fabregas reflected on the radio programme Al Primer Toque. “We are here thinking about him day in, day out.
“Hopefully everything goes well and he will soon return to work in Barcelona and he will be able to work with the club and help Barca to keep winning, because I think that he is the Coach who has earned the League last year, which was the best in the history of the club.
“He is always in our heads and in our hearts.”
Fabregas is currently with the Spain squad as they work towards Tuesday’s friendly with Chile. Discussion continues over who should keep goal.
“We know that we have three great goalkeepers in the team. Whoever plays, does so well. The other day, Iker made a brilliant save, kept things at 0-0, with one of his magic feet.
“And Victor we have seen with Barcelona make saves like against David Villa at the Camp Nou, and Arda Turan.
“And the saves he made in Valencia, Malaga…he is one of those goalies that gives you titles, Leagues, games and many points for the end of the season.
“This is why they are the best, the most wanted and why there is this discussion today around who should be in the team.”
Fabregas had his say once more on Mesut Ozil’s departure from Real Madrid, and backed him to succeed at his old club Arsenal.
“I think he will be a firm fixture at Arsenal. He is going enjoy the Premier League greatly. It is a League with more space and he is a player that in space, kills you.
“We have already seen him with Real Madrid, he has a brilliant final pass and I think that in the Premier League he will really have fun.”
The midfielder is working this season alongside a new teammate at Barca in the form of Neymar.
“He is a very quiet guy. He is adapting well. He has come to help, to work, to make the team better, more competitive and we are very happy with him.”
