Cesc Fabregas Shares How He Took Como From Serie B to Champions League Contenders

Fabregas Opens Up on His Unexpected Journey with Como

Cesc Fabregas confessed that before joining Como, he had no idea the club even existed. The former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder took a surprising route, moving to the Italian second division side and quickly turning them into a team capable of competing in the Champions League.

Despite his strong connection to the region, the Spaniard didn’t have Como on his radar when he decided to finish his playing days there. After a decorated career with Barcelona, Chelsea, and Arsenal, Fabregas shifted rapidly from player to coach, leading the club to its first-ever Champions League qualification.

“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 shared 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 Influence of Antonio Conte

Although Fabregas began coaching officially in 2023, his tactical approach was shaped long before he retired. Throughout his playing career, he worked under some of the game’s greats, including Arsene Wenger and Vicente del Bosque. Yet it was an Italian manager, Antonio Conte, who sparked a deep tactical awakening for him.

“The first time I saw that football was changing was when I met Conte at Chelsea. I was already 29, I had won a lot, but Wenger didn’t focus much on tactics at Arsenal, even if he was one of the best in the world. The same goes for Del Bosque. With Conte, I saw this change. He focused on the details. It was surprising and weighed on me at first because I couldn’t understand why someone had to tell me where to pass the ball; nobody had done that before,” Fabregas explained.

Holding Firm to Identity and Principles

Fabregas applies this attention to detail as a coach, emphasizing a clear team identity at Como. His philosophy has brought early success, with the club currently eighth in Serie A after five games and only three points behind leaders Roma.

“Before every game, I ask myself, how do I want to lose? I want to lose with my ideas. Losing after abandoning your identity doubles the defeat. Sometimes the opponent is better, but meanwhile you learn lessons and play with your philosophy,” Fabregas said.

Learning from Experience

Even with rapid progress, Fabregas stays grounded. He acknowledges moments of tension on the touchline, like his clashes with Massimiliano Allegri, and views them as part of growing as a coach.

“There have been tense exchanges with colleagues, it’s true. I am young and still quite emotional. I hope when I get it wrong, a more experienced coach will tell me. For example, Gian Piero Gasperini, who I respect a lot. I like to listen to people who know more than me,” he concluded.

• Club: Como
• League Position: 8th in Serie A after 5 matches
• Points: 10
• Gap to Leaders (Roma): 3 points
• Fabregas’ Managerial Start: 2023