ENJOYING HIMSELF

Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas has said that he is enjoying the ability to play for one of the biggest clubs in the world without the pressure of being the star man. Former Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas joined his hometown club Barcelona in the summer for £ 35 million.

He started the season spectacularly by winning two trophies in a matter of six months. However, the second half of the season has been a bit of struggle for the player, who is expected to replace Xavi in the coming years. Many regard that Cesc Fabregas has spoilt the balance of the team.

Barcelona were knocked out of the Champions League this season by Chelsea in the semi-final stage, while they have also failed to keep hold of their league title. This is the first time in three seasons that Barcelona had failed to retain the la Liga trophy.

Xavi is clearly coming to the end of his stellar career at the age of 33 years. Hence, Barcelona were looking at the possibility of replacing him with one of their own, which was in the form of Cesc Fabregas. However, in the absence of David Villa, Barcelona manager Guardiola has been unable to utilise the same 4-3-3 formation that has provided huge success in the last three seasons. Yet, Fabregas is that he is playing much better due to the fact that there is less pressure on him to deliver.

"I know my position on the pitch a lot more. Before I was free to do whatever on the pitch at Arsenal, and I wasn't tactically good. I was playing wherever I wanted, up and down. Here I have to work much more for the team, individually, and think about the team tactically," said Fabregas ahead of the first leg encounter with Chelsea.