Roberto Moreno insists Fabregas is ‘not Usain Bolt’ following fan criticism

Monaco boss Roberto Moreno has come to the defence of midfielder Cesc Fabregas by insisting the Spaniard is ‘not Usain Bolt‘ following criticism from his own supporters. 

The former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder, 32, has been singled out for criticism from sections of Monaco supporters.

But in an interview with L’Equipe, Moreno addressed disgruntled supporters by insisting that Fabregas’ role, while he lacks the speed of younger team-mates, is vitally important to team success. 

Cesc Fabregas has been backed by his manager having been targeted in criticism from fans

Monaco boss Roberto Moreno accepted that Fabregas ‘is not Usain Bolt’ (pictured at Rio 2016)

‘If you are waiting for Cesc to beat Bolt in a 100m race, no, that is not going to happen,’ Moreno said. 

‘In your eyes, Cesc is not achieving what people want from him. But in our eyes, those of the staff, he is doing things well that go above what he is doing on the pitch. 

‘To have a player with his experience, with what he can bring to the squad, the control that he can give to play…’  

The former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder has not scored in Ligue 1 this season for Monaco

Monaco are fifth in Ligue 1 right now, four points off the top four, and much of the ire of supporters is being directed at Fabregas.

Moreno believes this targeting of the player is unfair and he cited Sergio Busquets at Barcelona as an example of a player that, while not blessed with pace, is incredibly effective in the role he plays for club and country. 

Fabregas has managed three assists this season in Ligue 1 and has failed to score a single goal to date.