Cesc Fabregas Reveals How Instinct Led Him to Como’s Champions League Rise
Cesc Fabregas says instinct, rather than any deep familiarity with Como, shaped the decision that began his second career in Italian football. The former Spain midfielder joined the club in Serie B to conclude his playing career, then moved rapidly into coaching and has led Como to a historic first qualification for the Champions League.
An unexpected route to Como
Speaking at the Festival dello Sport in Trento, Fabregas recalled that Como had not initially featured in his plans, even though he had previously visited the area on holiday. He had offers elsewhere but felt the club’s project was the right one, despite not even realising at first that Como had a professional football side.
- Fabregas arrived after a distinguished playing career with Arsenal, Barcelona and Chelsea.
- He chose Como, then in Serie B, as the final club of his playing days.
- His managerial career formally began in 2023.
- Under his leadership, Como have reached the Champions League for the first time in their history.
The Spaniard’s playing career included Premier League and Europa League medals at Chelsea, as well as La Liga, Copa del Rey and FIFA Club World Cup success with Barcelona. At international level, he was part of Spain’s teams that won consecutive European Championships and the 2010 World Cup.
Conte’s influence on a developing coach
Fabregas said his understanding of coaching changed significantly when he worked under Antonio Conte at Chelsea. Although he had already won major trophies by the age of 29, Conte’s detailed tactical preparation introduced him to a different way of viewing the game.
He contrasted that experience with his time under Arsene Wenger at Arsenal and Vicente del Bosque with Spain. Fabregas stressed his high regard for both men, but said Conte’s focus on precise positions and passing choices initially came as a surprise after working in environments where that level of instruction was less prominent.
That exposure has helped shape the principles he now applies at Como. Fabregas has made preserving the side’s identity central to his approach, even when the result does not go their way.
- Fabregas believes a team should accept defeat while remaining faithful to its own football.
- He feels abandoning established ideas in pursuit of a result makes a loss more damaging.
- He accepts that stronger opponents can prevail, but sees those matches as opportunities to learn without sacrificing a club’s philosophy.
Como’s strong Serie A start
Fabregas’s methods have produced another encouraging opening to the Serie A campaign. Como are eighth after five matches, having collected 10 points, and sit only three points behind leaders Roma.
The early position adds to the momentum created by the club’s Champions League qualification, although Fabregas remains cautious about placing himself among the continent’s established managers.
Learning from touchline pressure
The 39-year-old has already experienced difficult moments on the sideline, including a notable confrontation with Massimiliano Allegri. Rather than dismissing those incidents, Fabregas described himself as a young coach who can still be emotional during matches.
He said he wants more experienced figures to challenge him when necessary and singled out Gian Piero Gasperini as a manager he respects. Fabregas believes listening to coaches with greater experience is an important part of his own development as Como prepare for the demands ahead in Serie A and Europe.
