Fabregas looks to win more titles

Fabregas looks to win more titles

Published Aug. 25, 2011 5:51 p.m. ET

In two weeks as a Barcelona player Cesc Fabregas hopes to help lift a second trophy, with the European Super Cup at stake on Friday.

Fabregas got just one winner's medal - from the 2005 FA Cup - in eight critically acclaimed years with Arsenal, and acknowledged Thursday that silverware was important to him.

''I came to Barcelona to get better, to compete, and obviously to win trophies as well but that's not the only reason,'' the ?29 million ($42 million) Spain international said.

''I'm certainly happy to have opportunities such as this one,'' Fabregas said ahead of the Champions League winner's challenge match against FC Porto, which took the Europa League title in May.

ADVERTISEMENT

Fabregas made his Barca debut as a substitute in a typically heated clash with Real Madrid for the Spanish Super Cup. The Spanish league champion edged the second-leg match 3-2 to seal a 5-4 aggregate victory.

The 24-year-old midfielder was quick to note that these medal chances were earned by his new colleagues while he was ending another ultimately disappointing season in England.

''This is part of the achievement of last year's team,'' Fabregas said. ''Now I'm lucky enough to be one of them, to be able to play tomorrow (Friday) and we hope to be champions.''

Still, Fabregas had time to reflect on Arsenal's victory at Italian side Udinese on Wednesday in a Champions League playoff, to earn a 14th straight season in the group stage after an uneasy August marked by his departure.

''Yeah I watched it and became a bit scared when they scored and got the penalty,'' the former Gunners captain said of the battling 2-1 win.

''I think we played very well and I'm very happy for Arsenal and their fans because they deserve to be in the Champions League. It's a big boost for the club and the players because it is a very difficult season.''

Despite the familiar use of Arsenal as ''we,'' Fabregas said he feels welcome again in Barcelona, which he left for England when aged 16.

''I know 90 percent of the players and they made it very easy for me,'' he said of his hometown club, which won three Champions League titles while he was away.

''What I have found most striking in this side is that there's great humility. They have won everything but they still want to keep winning.''

Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola dismissed suggestions that his widely admired team could not lose to Porto.

''First of all, we are not unbeatable. Each team can beat us,'' said Guardiola, who is poised to become the most decorated Barcelona coach.

''We receive a lot of compliments because we have won 11 prizes in the last four seasons,'' said the 40-year-old coach, who is tied in club history with Dutch great Johan Cruyff.

''We have to try and forget the past. The most important match is the next one so let's try to focus and keep going and for the players to show to the world they still have desire.''

Porto coach Vitor Pereira is in his debut season yet already has one trophy on his record, after a Portuguese Super Cup victory against Vitoria Guimaraes.

The 43-year-old Pereira was promoted after being assistant coach last season to Andre Villas-Boas, who left an all-conquering side to take over at Chelsea.

''We are not coming here just to watch Barca play. We are here on merit after winning the Europa League last season and we are here to win the Super Cup,'' Pereira said.

''Of course Barca are difficult to beat, but I believe in the players I have and the game plan I have worked out, which hopefully will see us win the game.''

 

share