Cesc Fabregas Opens Up on Como Journey from Serie B to Champions League

Cesc Fabregas confessed he had no idea that Como even had a football team before taking charge of the club. Despite his connections to the area, the former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder only discovered the club when deciding where to end his playing career. His decision to join Como in Serie B marked the start of a remarkable transformation, guiding the team from a lesser-known side to qualifying for the Champions League for the first time.

Talking at the Festival dello Sport in Trento, Fabregas said the move was based on instinct rather than detailed knowledge. He recalled, "The Como project began oddly because I had other offers, but something told me this was right. Sometimes you have to trust your gut. I'd been to Como on holiday but didn't even realize there was a football team here."

Antonio Conte's Tactical Influence

Fabregas began managing in 2023 but credits his tactical understanding to lessons learned during his playing days. He highlighted the impact of Italian coach Antonio Conte, who changed his view on football strategy. Before Conte, Fabregas had played under greats like Arsene Wenger and Vicente del Bosque but noticed they focused less on tactical specifics.

"When I met Conte at Chelsea, I saw football changing. I was 29 and had won a lot, but Wenger and Del Bosque didn’t emphasize tactics as much. Conte was all about details. At first, it was strange being told exactly where to pass the ball; no one had done that before," Fabregas explained.

Firm Principles and Team Identity

Fabregas has built his coaching approach around maintaining a strong team identity. At Como, his method involves sticking to his football philosophy regardless of outcomes. The results are showing, with Como currently eighth in Serie A, earning 10 points from their first five games and trailing league leaders Roma by just three points.

"Before every match, I ask myself, how do I want to lose? I want to lose while keeping my ideas. Changing your identity means losing twice. Sometimes the opponent is better, but you learn and play your style," Fabregas said.

Learning and Growing as a Manager

Though rapidly successful, Fabregas remains grounded and acknowledges he is still developing. He’s had some heated moments on the touchline, including clashes with coaches like Massimiliano Allegri, but views these experiences as part of growing emotionally and professionally.

"There have been tense exchanges, sure. I'm young and still emotional. When I mess up, I hope an experienced coach like Gian Piero Gasperini will guide me. I respect those who know more and I listen," Fabregas concluded.

• Club: Como
• Current Serie A Position: 8th
• Points from First Five Matches: 10
• Gap from Leaders Roma: 3 points
• Managerial Start: 2023