Como manager Cesc Fabregas has publicly backed Alvaro Morata, revealing the striker is “devastated” as his goal drought continues to deepen.
With a third of the season already gone, Morata is yet to find the net in his 13 appearances for the club. His struggles was highlighted last weekend when he missed a crucial penalty against Napoli that would have ended his barren run.
Speaking to the press, Fabregas didn’t hide from the issue. “At a time like this, we have to support Morata. He needs a goal, and he’s devastated,” said the former Spain star. Despite the lack of goals, Fabregas was quick to defend his player’s overall contribution.
“I’m sure he’ll bounce back and start scoring — he has so much quality,” Fabregas insisted. “He hasn’t played badly in the games he’s featured in, and the applause when he comes off shows people recognises that.”
The manager pointed to Morata’s performances against top sides like Atalanta and Juventus as evidence of his value beyond just scoring. “He holds the ball up, even in the box, and he has that hunger. For what we’re trying to build, he fits perfect. I’m very happy with him — he’s adapting to a new environment and new teammates,” Fabregas added.
The prolonged slump has impacted Morata’s international prospects, with the striker being left out of Spain’s last two squads. However, national team coach Luis de la Fuente has insisted that the door is not closed, maintaining that Morata “is still just as important” to his plans as Spain builds towards the 2026 World Cup.