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

Cesc Fabregas confessed he had no idea Como even had a football team before taking on a role that would see him lead the club from Italy's second division all the way to the Champions League. The former midfielder of Arsenal and Chelsea trusted his instincts to join a project that turned a quiet vacation spot into a European contender.

An Unlikely Beginning at Como

Fabregas shared the unusual story behind his arrival at the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia. Despite personal connections to the area, the club was unknown to him before he accepted the challenge. After a decorated career with clubs like Barcelona, Chelsea, and Arsenal, he chose to end his playing days in Serie B with Como and swiftly moved into coaching. His decision has since led to a historic climb culminating in Como’s debut in the Champions League.

“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.”

Tactical Insights from Antonio Conte

Launching his managerial career in 2023, Fabregas revealed that his coaching style was shaped long before retiring as a player. Though he played under legendary managers like Arsene Wenger and Vicente del Bosque, it was Italian coach Antonio Conte who sparked a new tactical understanding in 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 for example Arsene Wenger didn’t work much on tactics at Arsenal, even if he was one of the best in the world. The same is true of Del Bosque. With Conte, I saw this change. He was 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 ever done that before,” Fabregas explained.

Holding Firm to His Identity as a Coach

This focus on detail now defines Fabregas’ approach at Como, where maintaining a strong team identity is his top priority. His clear tactical vision has brought quick success — currently, Como stands eighth in Serie A after five matches, earning 10 points and trailing league leaders Roma by just three points.

“The question I ask myself before every game is, how do I want to lose? I want to lose with my ideas. Because if you lose having changed your identity and ideas, then the defeat is double. Sometimes the opponent is better than you, but meanwhile you learn some lessons, and you play with your philosophy,” Fabregas said.

Learning and Growing Among Europe’s Elite

Though his rise has been swift, Fabregas remains grounded about his place among Europe's top coaches. He's faced fiery moments on the sidelines, including a heated clash with Massimiliano Allegri, but sees these as part of his growth.

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

• Club: Como
• Current Serie A Position: 8th
• Points from 5 Matches: 10
• Distance from League Leader Roma: 3 points
• Managerial Debut: 2023
• Notable Managers Played Under: Arsene Wenger, Vicente del Bosque, Antonio Conte