Arsène Wenger on Mikel Arteta and Arsenal
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsène Wenger has praised his former captain Cesc Fàbregas for his remarkable start to life as a manager, admitting he never anticipated such a rapid rise after retirement.
The former Arsenal, Chelsea, and Barcelona midfielder hung up his boots in July 2023, bringing an end to a glittering playing career that saw him win the Premier League, FA Cup, La Liga, and the 2010 FIFA World Cup with Spain. Just days after retiring, Fàbregas took charge of Como’s Under-19 side, having already begun acquiring his coaching badges toward the end of his playing days.
In November 2023, he was thrust into the spotlight following the dismissal of Moreno Longo and was appointed interim head coach of the first team. His impact was immediate, earning him a permanent role in August 2024 after a brief spell as assistant to Osian Roberts.
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Under Fàbregas’ leadership, Como defied all expectations in the 2024/25 Serie A campaign, finishing tenth—just two places behind European giants AC Milan—and securing their best league finish in over 20 years.
Arsenal - Cesc Fabregas
Cesc Fabregas (Image credit: Getty Images)
Speaking toMarca, Wenger admitted Fàbregas’ meteoric rise caught him off guard: “The truth is, I didn’t expect such rapid success, but I do believe Fabregas will be a great coach in the future,” the legendary Frenchman said.
“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.”
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Reflecting on Fàbregas’ leadership style during his Arsenal days, Wenger noted that while the Spaniard wasn’t the most vocal in the dressing room, he led by example 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,” Wenger added. “He was more quiet with his team-mates, but 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 also offered his thoughts on other Spanish coaching talents, including Xabi Alonso, who recently enjoyed a successful spell with Bayer Leverkusen. “Xabi already mastered things at Bayer Leverkusen, but Real Madrid is on another level,” he said.
Turning his attention back to north London, Wenger was full of praise for Mikel Arteta’s ongoing work at Arsenal: “Mikel Arteta, I think he’s doing very well at Arsenal.”
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