It does sound like I'm saying that, and on the exterior it does pop out at you as such, but that's not what I was getting at. The underlying message is that Cesc is not able to perform to this capabilities when he knows the king is in charge. It's not that he isn't wiling to, it's he is emotionally unable to. He is the type of person who wants to be cherished 100% by everyone, and to be his best he has to play in a place where he is needed. Right now, he is not NEEDED and is considered surplus by even the most hardcore Cesc fans, therefore he has regressed into anonymity out of respect for his own talent and vested emotions. Xavi is his biggest setback, not himself. There is an intimidation factor there also, if you will. Xavi has always been El Maestro, and Cesc sort of accepts that he is the next generation and won't really fight for that spot. He prefers a clean slate so he can create his own dynasty, not one that has the markings of the previous Maestro. I believe he wants to be his own Maestro, but he knows that time is not yet.
This is how I might see Cesc talking to himself on the bench: Man, I really can't wait to take over the helm of the midfield. It sucks right now cuz I'm not that important to everyone (I'm not THAT GUY), but once people see me step up in the position I love, which is controlling the midfield, they'll really see 'Cesc Fabregas' shine! I've just gotta remain patient and learn all I can from Xavi.
^That monologue manifests in his body language whenever he plays on the pitch currently, and that is not the Cesc Fabregas we bought from Arsenal.