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

Cesc Fabregas confessed he had no idea about Como as a football club before starting his coaching adventure there. The former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder trusted his instincts to join the Italian side, leading them from Serie B to qualify for the Champions League for the first time.

A Surprising Beginning

Fabregas revealed that despite personal ties to the region, the club was never on his radar until he received an offer. After a glittering playing career with teams like Barcelona, Chelsea, and Arsenal, he ended his playing days in Serie B at Como. Soon after, he stepped into management and has since guided the team through an historic rise.

"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," said Fabregas 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."

Learning from Antonio Conte

Though Fabregas officially became a manager in 2023, his coaching philosophy took shape earlier. He credits Italian coach Antonio Conte for a tactical revelation. Having played under legendary managers like Arsene Wenger and Vicente del Bosque, Fabregas found Conte’s focus on details eye-opening.

"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 work much on tactics, same for Del Bosque. With Conte, I saw this change. He was focused on details," Fabregas explained. "At first, I couldn’t understand why someone told me where to pass the ball; nobody had done that before."

Holding Firm to His Identity

This attention to tactical detail influences Fabregas’ approach at Como. He stresses a strong team identity above all else. The results back him up — Como currently sits eighth in Serie A, earning 10 points from five matches and trailing league leaders Roma by just three points.

"Before every game, I ask myself: how do I want to lose? I want to lose with my ideas. Losing after changing your identity and ideas feels like a double defeat. Sometimes the opponent is better, but you learn lessons while playing with your philosophy," Fabregas shared.

Respecting Experience and Learning Along the Way

Despite quick success, Fabregas remains grounded. He's faced some heated moments on the touchline, including a spat with Massimiliano Allegri. He sees these episodes as part of growing emotionally and tactically.

"There have been tense exchanges, true. I’m young and emotional. I hope when I’m wrong, more experienced coaches like Gian Piero Gasperini, whom I respect greatly, will guide me. I like listening to those who know more than me," he concluded.

• Club: Como
• Current League Position: 8th in Serie A
• Points: 10 from 5 games
• League Leaders: Roma (13 points)
• Notable Managers Mentioned: Antonio Conte, Arsene Wenger, Vicente del Bosque, Massimiliano Allegri, Gian Piero Gasperini
• Fabregas’ Playing Honors: Premier League, Europa League, La Liga, Copa del Rey, FIFA Club World Cup, European Championships (x2), 2010 World Cup winner