Former Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas claims he has spoken to Mikel Arteta and Edu Gaspar to gain advice on coaching, with the Spaniard currently managing FC Como’s youth team.
The former midfielder ended his playing career at the Italian second-division side, and is now coaching their under-19 and B teams.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Fabregas revealed that he has spoken to both Arteta and Edu, as he wants to learn from the squad-building process which has seen Arsenal rise from 8th place to title challengers with one of the youngest teams in the league.
“I had chats with Mikel, also with Edu. That’s always a positive thing to have because what they are trying to build with young players, a new era into the club, it’s what we are kind of trying to do also in Como,” Fabregas stated.
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“We are probably the youngest team in the league so it’s also interesting to hear their advice on what they are trying to build and what we are trying to build. There is always room for improvement and for learning.”
Arteta’s blueprint
When Arteta joined Arsenal and made it clear that his vision was to rebuild what was a toxic squad in a poor environment, many were sceptical about his methods to help his process.
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However, making ruthless decisions over senior stars, focusing on young signings and academy talents and fostering a winning culture at the club has seen him completely turn Arsenal’s fortunes around.
In the late days of Unai Emery’s reign, the squad was ageing and divided, with big egos failing to pull their weight and achieve results. Over three and a half years since Arteta arrived, Arsenal are now competing at the top end of the table, with a young, hungry and likeable squad, and it is no wonder that other young coaches like Fabregas are looking to his work as a blueprint for success.