Skip to main content

Fabregas fired up to fill messi void

The 26-year-old believes he can fill in for the injured Barcelona forward during his absence if called upon in Tuesday’s match at Celtic Park
Cesc Fabregas believes he can fill the void left by the injured Lionel Messi in the Barcelona XI ahead of their Champions League clash with Celtic on Tuesday.

The Argentina international, who has scored 62 goals in 80 appearances in the elite European competition, suffered a thigh injury in Saturday's 2-0 win over Almeria and is expected to spend up to three weeks on the sidelines.

In Messi's absence, coach Gerardo Martino has to figure out a replacement and Fabregas is eager to take on the role of lead forward.
"Messi is the best player in the world, he makes a difference, but he won't play [against Celtic]. We can't do anything about that," the former Arsenal midfielder told reporters on Monday.
"Without Messi, we will all have to take more responsibility. We have to step up, don't feel his absence and play football without him.
"I might have more offensive responsibilities. I will try and help the team as a striker or whatever other position I play.
"Now I feel confident, in good shape and the coach trusts me. I am in a good moment. Maybe I need to be more consistent."
The Catalans suffered a 2-1 defeat at Celtic Park at this stage in the competition last season and, while Fabregas is aware of the difficulties they will face on Tuesday, he feels the team has learned from their mistakes.

"We’ve learned our lesson from last year," the 26-year-old continued. "They had two chances and scored two goals. It could be a very similar game to last year, especially as it was successful for them.

"We are not upset about last year, we played a good game but must not give the ball away, maximise our chances and score goals.

"If you follow the Champions League you know coming to Celtic Park will always be a tough game.

"I played here with Arsenal as well and it is difficult. The Celtic fans are always behind their team. They take a corner and it feels like a goal."

Neymar remains another option to replace the injured Lionel Messi, and Fabregas admits the young Brazilian would be more than up to the task.

"He’s got so much talent and he’s like lightning in tight spaces," he added. "He’s a star, but in the future he’s going to be even bigger.

"He’s got the world at his feet and we’ll see how he develops. It’s a tough game to face the challenge of replacing Messi, but if anyone is ready to do it then it’s Neymar.

"Pressure doesn’t affect him. I think he’s ready mentally. We really need the wide players."

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Jose Gimenez's goal secured a late win for Uruguay against Egypt

Image
It’s another exciting atmosphere in Russia as Egypt take on Uruguay in a group A encounter. Uruguay dominated possession in the first 3 minutes of the opening stage of the first half. Caceres was put under pressure defensively but can’t keep the ball in play after tackle, though it shows Egypt are doing everything within their reach to limit the time Uruguay have on the ball. Egypt are starting to to enjoy the game after the early pressure from the Uruguay. Cavani look threatening to the Egypt defense with the first attempt of the game, firing a low shot from outside the box that El – Shenawy managed to keep out comfortably. Egypt have done great defensively as they’ve kept Uruguay silent and finding thir rhythm in attack. Egypt with their first attempt of the game as trezeguet forced Muslera into action for the first time. He chests the ball down to create some chance in the box but couldn’t get contact with the ball properly. Egypt are looking more dangerous on th
Read more

Chelsea sign Bakayoko from Monaco for £40M

Image
Tiemoue Bakayoko has joined Chelsea from Monaco and become the club's second-most expensive signing of all time. Sky Sports News HQ understands the 22-year-old has cost the Blues £40m - some £10m less than Fernando Torres in 2011. Bakayoko, an athletic central midfielder, has signed a five-year contract at Stamford Bridge and will join up with France international team-mate N'Golo Kante. Bakayoko said: "I have grown up watching Chelsea. Signing was the natural thing for me because it is a club I loved very much in my childhood. "I am now looking forward to evolving under this fantastic coach (Antonio Conte) and alongside so many great team-mates." Chelsea's technical director Michael Emenalo said: "Tiemoue was outstanding as Monaco emerged as one of Europe's best sides last season and we are delighted to welcome him to Chelsea. "Despite his young age he already has plenty of experience as a French title winner and having competed
Read more

Ronaldo on a rare run of goals and assists for Juventus

Image
The Portuguese star is on a rare run of getting goals and assists, after pulling it off against Parma, Sassuolo and Frosinone Cristiano Ronaldo proved his importance to Juventus once again as he scored and assisted in a match for the third time in a row on Friday. The 34-year-old helped fire the Serie A leaders to a 3-0 win over Frosinone when he set Paulo Dybala up for the opening goal and then netted his side's third in the second half. Having also notched goals and assists against Parma and Sassuolo in the previous two league games, he is on a rare run of form of playing the dual role of scorer and provider for the defending champions. It is the second time in the 33-year-old's career that he has scored and set up goals in three games in a row. The last time he put such run together was in November 2014, when he was still with Real Madrid. Ronaldo's 19th goal extends his lead at the top of the Serie A goal chart, while he now has made the joint-most ass
Read more