Gilberto on Fabregas
December 24, 2005
Gilberto did an interview with The Times yesterday – he mostly talks about Fabregas. Here is what he has to say:
It’s different when you play with just young players in the Premiership because it’s very hard, you can’t put the responsibility on their shoulders because they have a lot to grow and a lot to improve. It’s not easy for them. I remember when I was their age I was a little bit scared to play in the Premiership, especially in England, where football is so physical.
For Cesc it’s tough because he’s not strong enough, compared to Essien and Makelele, who are both very strong. Plus, experienced players know the way they have to play in the middle of the park and for young players sometimes it’s difficult.
We struggled a bit at the beginning of the season and Patrick’s departure had a big impact on us, I think we worried a bit too much about his departure and when we woke up we had lost some games and it was very difficult for us to win the league.
I think it caused a big impact because no one expected him to leave. We didn’t realise he had definitely gone and then carried on without him. Patrick was a fantastic leader for us and when he left it was difficult for us to accept his decision.