Cesc Fab again
GUUS HIDDINK expects Cesc Fabregas to be booed on his return to Arsenal today – but says at least it will only be by the Gunners fans.
While the interim Chelsea manager has been impressed with the midfielder’s return to form, he knows the Spaniard will still get some stick from the Arsenal supporters for returning to the Premier League with the Blues from Barcelona.
Just a few weeks ago, Fabregas – along with Diego Costa and Eden Hazard – was also getting grief from disgruntled Chelsea fans after the sacking of Jose Mourinho.
Since then, though, he has become more like his old self and won back the applause of the Stamford Bridge faithful.
Fabregas’ response has impressed Hiddink, who said: “Some players might have shrunk. He has shown strength.
“We haven’t worked on Cesc’s physical strength, not specifically.
“We have worked hard the last few weeks in training but when we can we reduce the work and, as a consequence, physically, Cesc is feeling good.
“It’s true he struggled with the pace of games earlier this season. “I cannot make any
judgement on YOUNG GUN: Cesc at Arsenal
TONY STENSON the training sessions from before I got here but the way we practice – with emphasis on the rhythm and pace of the game – made him physically sharp in my opinion.
“I believe this has gained him the support of our fans again.”
While Fabregas may have won over the Chelsea fans in recent weeks, there will be little he can do to avoid a hostile reception from the Arsenal support today.
That fact was not lost on Hiddink, who added: “He’ll be booed by Arsenal fans but players change clubs and they are used to it. “It might make him better, it might encourage him.
“In my opinion, Cesc’s improvement came from a reminder from our fans that he needed to step up. “You can have several reactions to what he went through but I think he gave the right reaction.” Hiddink also praised Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger and said: “I admire him. He is a nice man. “When the game starts there must be a lot of rivalry, it’s normal. But outside of matches, when people are decent you have to respect them and their work.”