Cesc Fàbregas (25) knows about first team coach Tito Vilanova from his days in the youth squads and has a lot of appreciation for him. Drawing on this experience, Cesc assured yesterday that Tito’s extensive football knowledge will be a huge help in guiding the first team this season. “Tito Vilanova is a coach with a lot of personality, more than people think. He’ll have a lot to offer and we have to help him. He’ll help because he knows so much about football and we will help by making sacrifices and having the right attitude. If we help each other, we’ll have a great year.”

Cesc didn’t have the opportunity to have a preseason at FC Barcelona last summer because his signing came late in the transfer window. This time however, he’s taken part in preseason after returning from the European Championships where Spain retained their crown. Cesc said, “these three weeks of the preseason help to make us stronger and we need to fuel ourselves in order to perform better during the season. A good preseason helps build the fitness to see you thorough to the end.”

He also admitted that he didn’t end last season too well, and stated a mental block as the reason. “Tito has made it clear that I need to play the way I know. I have to be mobile, look for space, help my team-mates by playing the easy ball. I’ve noticed the difference in the first few games of the preseason, and how rather than staying static at inside left, I have to be more mobile.”

When questioned about the Spanish Super Cup, where Barça will face Real Madrid in two games, Cesc said that they’ll be intense, competitive games. He also stated that he is aware that this is just the start of a long season. He emphasized that last season the team managed vibrant, extraordinary, high-tension games despite some of the players having only just arrived.

Source : fcbarcelona.cat; Image: Miguel Ruiz/fcbarcelona.cat