Cesc Fabregas on Como Takeover: From Serie B Unknown to Champions League Contenders

Cesc Fabregas admitted he had no idea Como even had a football team before deciding to join the club. The former midfield star, known for his time at Arsenal and Chelsea, took a surprising path by moving to the Italian Serie B side and has since led them to an unprecedented qualification for the Champions League.

An Unplanned Start in Italy

Fabregas revealed that despite being familiar with the region from vacations, Como was off his radar as a football club. After a successful playing career including stints at Barcelona and Chelsea, he ended his playing days at Como and quickly transitioned into coaching there. This decision stemmed from a gut feeling rather than detailed knowledge of the club’s background.

“The Como project started in quite a strange way, because I had a few proposals, but I just felt this was the right decision. Sometimes you’ve just got to follow your gut,” Fabregas said during the Festival dello Sport in Trento. “Funnily enough, I’d been to Como a few times on vacation, but I didn’t even know there was a football team here.”

The Tactical Lessons From Antonio Conte

Fabregas officially began his managerial career in 2023 but credits his tactical understanding to experiences long before coaching. Despite playing under renowned managers like Arsene Wenger and Vicente del Bosque, it was his time under Antonio Conte at Chelsea that reshaped his approach to football tactics.

“The first time I saw that football was changing was when I met Conte at Chelsea. I was already 29, had won a lot, but Wenger didn’t focus much on tactics, same with Del Bosque. Conte was obsessed with details. At first, it was surprising; I couldn’t understand why someone had to tell me where to pass the ball—nobody had done that before,” Fabregas shared.

Commitment to Team Identity

At Como, Fabregas emphasizes holding onto a clear team identity above all else. His method has brought early success: Como sits eighth in Serie A after five matches, just three points behind leaders Roma. Fabregas is determined to stick to his principles regardless of results.

“Before every game, I ask myself: how do I want to lose? I want to lose with my ideas. If you lose after abandoning your identity, then the loss feels twice as bad. Sometimes the opponent is better, but you learn and play your philosophy,” he explained.

Learning and Growing as a Young Coach

Despite his rapid rise, Fabregas stays humble about his experience level and welcomes advice from veteran managers. He has experienced some tense moments on the sidelines, including a clash with Massimiliano Allegri, but views these as part of his growth.

“There have been tense exchanges, sure. I’m young and emotional. I hope when I mess up, a more experienced coach will guide me—someone like Gian Piero Gasperini, who I respect. I like to listen to those who know more than me,” Fabregas concluded.

• Club: Como
• Current League Position: 8th in Serie A
• Points from First 5 Matches: 10
• Distance to League Leaders (Roma): 3 points
• Managerial Debut Year: 2023