Cesc's interview in Cadena Ser

Cesc talked about his future not being linked with Wenger’s in an interview with the Spanish radio station Cadena Ser.
“I hope that my future lies with Arsenal but it is not dependent on Wenger’s own future. He is a manager who has influenced me a lot. I respect him very much and I am grateful to him for everything he has done for me, but in football, you try to choose your own path.

“That’s the most important thing for me – to keep playing football without any distractions.”

Wenger earlier on in the week said that Cesc seemed better suited to a defensive midfield role, and Cesc agrees.

“Now I have more freedom and I don’t have to defend so much, but I prefer to be further back. I see myself playing better as a double pivot because I am not fast, I’m not strong and I’m not too agile. I rely on my passing and my playmaking.”

Cesc was then asked if he was more like Iniesta or Xavi.
“It is difficult to compare [them] because they are unique player.But I believe I’m more like Xavi.He’s a player whom I’ve paid a lot of attention to and I try to learn as much as possible from him because it’s a spectacle to watch him play. As for Iniesta, he is someone who will do well regardless of where you put him.

“My idol has always been Guardiola. He is very intelligent and he has clear ideas. He was not physically gifted, but his vision and his passing were exceptional.”

Cesc’s future midfield role may be more defensive

We have a new poll up:Do you think Cesc is better suited to an offensive or defensive midfield role? Go and vote!
On Arsenal’s official site, there is an article in which Wenger talks abour Cesc, and his position in the team. He was commenting about the Wigan match, and how it was difficult for Cesc to play due to the man to man marking in the first half. Thus, Wenger moved him into a more defensive role in the second half, where he was able to play more freely.

“We dropped Cesc deeper into midfield and pushed Theo Walcott upfront. I felt that we needed a bit more creativity.

“He is very good in the hole too but I believe that is because of the quality of his passing and less for his individual game.”

He also spoke about Cesc getting stronger.

“He was fantastic[Cesc's performance against Wigan].He looks to get stronger and stronger from game to game. Today I found him physically much strong from Wednesday at Villarreal.

“I did think he needed a breather [earlier in the campaign]. Maybe it was too long for my taste but it will help him to finish the season strongly.”

I have added two more pictures of Cesc at the Wigan match,and 4 more from the villarreal first leg (including two with Pires) in the latest photos section.

Related posts:

1. Cesc's interview with the Daily Mail
2. Update on Spain + Nike interview transcript
3. Cesc’s interview with Marca
4. Wenger likens Cesc to Lampard
5. Post match interview + pics + gifs + news update