Fabregas, who made 33 Premier League starts last season, has lost his starting place in the Chelsea starting XI this season to powerful midfielders Nemanja Matic and Ngolo Kante.
But Conte is adamant that Fabregas’ less tangible abilities will always be appreciated at the top level of European football, and insists he remains an important player for Chelsea even if he is no longer a regular starter.
Asked about Fabregas’ comments, Conte said: “It’s true, but not only in football. For example, if think of tennis 10 years ago, 15 years ago, they played with a wooden racket. And the ball, the speed, was 100, 120 mph. Now it’s 200 mph and I think in every sport you must be competitive in all the aspects — also the physical aspect.
“This is not modern football, but modern sport. You must improve every year, every record. Usain Bolt changed the story. Before, you run 100m in 10 seconds or 11 seconds. Now it’s nine seconds and this means you have to improve always.
“Cesc is a top player and a genius at football. I can talk [about him] in the same way as about Andrea Pirlo. In the same way. We are talking about a genius of football.
“Cesc if he doesn’t run 100m in 10 seconds, I can allow him this, because he’s a genius with the ball. His velocity is in his mind. With Cesc we are working a lot on tactical aspects and to improve also his positioning. Cesc I think is different.”
Fabregas has largely played the role of impact substitute behind Chelsea’s starting pair of Kante and Nemanja Matic in central midfield this season, but Conte insists this should not reflect badly on him.
“Sometimes you must make the decision to look at the balance of the team,” Conte added. “And sometimes you must make different decisions. For me Cesc is an important player, and I try to put him always in the best condition to give his best for the team.
“Until now I’m very pleased for him. Don’t forget that in his place is Kante. A lot of people say that he is the best player in the league. Then there is Matic who I think is playing in an outstanding way.
“When you have two players in front of you playing so well it’s not easy. It’s the same for Willian and Pedro.
“For me sometimes it’s difficult to sleep and to make the best decision, but I prefer to have this type of problem. The most important thing is these players are totally involved in the team.
“Cesc is playing with us and is very important for the team and I’m pleased about this.”
