Cesc Fabregas and Mikel Arteta both made their names at Arsenal, even though they never shared the pitch together.
The former arguably had the better playing career, winning league titles in Spain and England and establishing himself as one of the best midfielders of his generation.
Arteta, however, has gone on to become one of the most respected managers in the game today and is on the verge of leading Arsenal to big titles.
That is exactly why Fabregas turned to him for advice before taking the Como job.
How do you feel about Cesc Fabregas? Is he an Arsenal legend?
Cesc Fabregas says Mikel Arteta’s advice convinced him to become a manager
Cesc Fabregas is doing a tremendous job as Como’s manager, but he reached out to Mikel Arteta before he even took the job.
The latter knows better than anyone what it takes to go from being an assistant to a manager of one of the biggest clubs in the world.
Fabregas had his doubts when he was offered the Como job, so he rang up Arteta and asked if he should take it because he didn’t know if he was ready.
The Arsenal manager’s response was so good that it convinced Fabregas to accept the job and become the manager he is today.
Speaking about their conversation, the Como boss said, as per Football Italia: “I had spoken to Arteta and said I wasn’t sure if I was ready for this.
“He told me: ‘We are so competitive that even if you are not ready, your urge to be competitive will push you to find solutions and give you that vision.’
“I can say that two years later, he was right.
“My staff helped with advice, but at the end of the day, I am the one who has to talk, to make decisions, to feel it within me. A coach has to be ready.”
Would Cesc Fabregas be your number one pick to replace Mikel Arteta at Arsenal one day? If not, who is?
Arteta will leave Arsenal one day. Who should replace him when that happens?
Cesc Fabregas could be a future contender to replace Mikel Arteta at Arsenal
Fabregas is doing an impressive job at Como and could even lead them to Champions League qualification this season.
That kind of progress would quickly establish him as one of the best young managers in the game.
Arteta is already well into his time at Arsenal, and he is unlikely to stay forever. If he does move on in the future, Fabregas could be someone the Kroenkes consider.
The Spaniard understands the values of Arsenal and what it takes to succeed at the club. He also plays attacking football, which aligns with our history.
However, his past, including his departure to Barcelona and time at Chelsea, could divide opinion among fans. That makes it a complicated situation, even if the managerial potential is clear.
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