Cesc Fabregas on Leading Como from Serie B Unknowns to Champions League Contenders
Cesc Fabregas Opens Up About His Unexpected Journey with Como
Cesc Fabregas recently revealed how he had no idea a football club existed in Como before taking charge of the Italian side. After a distinguished playing career, the former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder made a surprising move to this Serie B team. What started as an instinctive choice turned into a remarkable story of transforming a modest club into a Champions League qualifier.
An Unforeseen Start
Fabregas admitted that Como was not on his radar, despite having visited the town several times for holidays. He reflected on joining the club during the Festival dello Sport in Trento, explaining it wasn’t a planned decision but one driven by gut feeling. “I had a few offers, but I just felt this was the right one,” Fabregas said. “Funny enough, I’d been to Como on vacation but didn’t even know there was a football team here.”
Learning From Antonio Conte’s Tactical Approach
Though Fabregas began managing Como officially in 2023, he credits much of his tactical understanding to his time playing under Antonio Conte at Chelsea. Despite winning many titles with great managers like Arsene Wenger and Vicente del Bosque, it was Conte who introduced him to a new level of tactical discipline. Fabregas recalled being surprised at Conte’s focus on details like pass placement, something he hadn’t experienced before. This experience shaped his own approach as a coach.
A Clear Philosophy and Strong Identity
Fabregas emphasizes sticking to a clear team identity. His motto is about accepting defeat only if it comes while following his principles. He explained, “The question I ask myself before every game is, how do I want to lose? I want to lose with my ideas. Changing your identity makes defeat twice as hard.” This mindset has paid off as Como currently sits eighth in Serie A with 10 points after five games, just three behind leaders Roma.
Respecting Experience and Growing as a Manager
Despite his rapid rise, Fabregas remains humble and open to learning from more seasoned coaches. He has faced some heated moments on the sidelines, including a notable clash with Massimiliano Allegri, but sees these as part of his growth. He hopes experienced figures like Gian Piero Gasperini will guide him when he errs. “I like to listen to those who know more than me,” he said.
- Current Serie A standing: 8th place
- Points from opening five matches: 10
- Points behind league leaders Roma: 3
- Fabregas’ managerial debut: 2023
