Fabregas: It's Not Hard Sitting On The Bench.[Tuesday June 17, 2008]
Spain's Cesc Fabregas has once again insisted he is content with playing as a substitute for his country, despite the untouchable status he enjoys at club level with Arsenal.
The 21-year-old is seen as something of a rare commodity in England, but in his native Spain he is the latest in a long line of midfield playmakers, currently behind Barcelona duo Xavi and Andres Iniesta in the pecking order.
Spain coach Luis Aragones is reluctant to field two playmakers in central midfield as it can negatively affect the balance of the side. Fabregas has so far been limited to substitute appearances, though he used one of those to both set up and then score a goal - his first for Spain - though he was clearly offside as he headed home a rebound from Xavi's volley.
There has been something of an inquest from the English media into Fabregas' role as a substitute, but the Barcelona native insists that though he would like to start, he is playing an important role of his own from the bench, which he is satisfied with.
"Of course I want to start, that's why I play football," he said. "But I will respect the decision of the boss.
"As you could see against Sweden there's no one specific player in the squad who has their place 100 percent secure. Whoever comes in and plays well for the team has a chance to be in the side.
"My attitude has always been that if you are on the bench it's a key task to keep mentally prepared. My philosophy is that it's just as likely for a player who starts on the bench to eventually win or turn a game.
"Whether you enter a game and the team is leading, or you come on when the side is behind, you psyche yourself up to make an impact.
"Of course you want to start, to be the star, but it's not hard for me at all if I start on the bench. If the boss needs me then I'll be there to make an impact. I'm certainly ready and I feel good.”
Fabregas is likely to start against Greece tomorrow along with many of his fellow substitutes, as Spain have secured top spot in Group D, while opponents and Euro 2004 winners Greece are already eliminated.
From www.goal.com
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