Fabregas has fierce ‘winning mentality’
The young Spaniard was involved in a touchline spat with Blackburn manager Mark Hughes following Saturday’s goalless FA Cup tie at Emirates Stadium.
Fabregas swiftly apologised for his outburst at the former Barcelona striker, which came after the Gunners were frustrated by a resolute Rovers team who earned themselves a replay.
It is often easy to forget Fabregas is still only 19, such has been the impact of the Spain midfielder following his breakthrough into the Arsenal first team three seasons ago.
Wenger has seen the partnership between Fabregas and experienced Brazilian Gilberto grow, and will again keep faith with the pairing for tonight’s Champions League clash with PSV.
“Cesc is a guy who loves to win, sometimes he gets frustrated and he lets his frustration out. I read what happened and I had a chat with him and he apologised. He said to me: ‘Listen, what I did was not right.’
“He went to the dressing room, and apologised. The apology was his own initiative. I did not tell him to do it, he did it on his own.
“It would have been better if he had not talked (to Hughes at full-time) at all – but I do not think it was too bad.”
Wenger maintained: “Of course I admire his winning mentality because without that in our job you go nowhere. You want that winning streak, a controlled one – but I do not think he did too much.”
Arsenal resume their European campaign looking to make the most of what could be seen as a favourable draw.
PSV finished second behind Liverpool in the opening group stages, and are managed by Ronald Koeman, himself a European Cup winner with Barcelona at Wembley in 1992.
“We have to try to win. Koeman will try to win – but in his own way. They might go for patience and try to catch us on the break. They are quick so they might sit off a bit and try to catch us on the break.”
Koeman faces a selection headache ahead of the 36,200 sell-out clash at the Philips Stadion. Jefferson Farfan did not take part in yesterday’s training session after being taken to hospital for tests on an ankle injury.
He is doubtful, while Patrick Kluivert (back), Ibrahim Afellay (ankle), Michael Reiziger (stomach) and John de Jong (knee) are definitely out injured and Alcides is not eligible due to his participation at an earlier stage for Benfica.
Said Koeman: “Arsenal are not a typical English team. They play more a European system with fast players up front, a lot of talent in the midfield and a solid defence.”
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
