Fabregas: Mourinho and Critics can 'Shut Up'

Cesc Fabregas has hit back back at Jose Mourinho and other Barca critics, telling them to “shut up” after La Liga Champions dominated in their Champions League clash with Manchester City. The first leg of the last-16 match at the Etihad Stadium saw hosts, Manchester City, in control until the 54th minute when City defender Martin Demichelis tackled Lionel Messi. The referee awarded the Spanish side a penalty with Demechilis receiving a red card from the offence. Messi went on to score the penalty and Dani Alves later adding a second goal to the score sheet. Barcelona have been criticized lately for poor performances with former Real Madrid boss, Mourinho, claiming that this was the “worst Barcelona for many, many years.” But Fabregas was quick to respond to Mourinho all other critics by focusing on current achievements. The Spanish midfielder told ITV, “We are top of the league, we had a great result tonight [Tuesday], we are in the final of the cup and there’s nothing else you can as for but the fans in Spain, in general…put so much pressure on you as a team. That’s what makes everyone feel so special to this team. “Maybe we had to prove a point in a way and I think we did it, in style. But I think this team has done so much, has won so much but today was one of those days. “Everyone was saying Barcelona was not the same Barcelona, some people have been talking a bit too much and as usual now they will have to shut up for a few days.”The Spanish international insists that the tie isn’t over yet and that they won’t hesitate to come in full force for the second leg at Nou Camp.“We will respect City until the end. At 2-0 you never know what can happen in football. It's been a good night of football but now in three weeks we'll have to fight very hard to be in the quarter-final.”  

Source: DSG