Fabregas Urges Como to Reset for Parma After Leipzig Champions League Win

Como will aim to carry their European momentum into Serie A when Parma visit the Stadio Sinigaglia on Monday, with Cesc Fabregas urging his players to reset quickly after a remarkable 4-1 Champions League win over RB Leipzig.

Fabregas demands domestic focus after European landmark

The victory over Leipzig was Como’s first match in the Champions League and represented another striking step in a rise that has taken the club from Serie B to Europe’s leading competition within three years.

Fabregas accepts that a first Champions League appearance brings an unusual emotional lift, recalling how special his own debut in the competition was as a 17-year-old. However, he believes Como must turn that feeling into another committed display rather than allow it to affect their preparation for Parma.

• Como beat RB Leipzig 4-1 in their Champions League debut.
• Parma will travel to the Stadio Sinigaglia for Monday’s match.
• Fabregas has stressed recovery, nutrition and hydration in the period between the two fixtures.
• The Como coach wants his side to recognise the importance of the Parma game after the European occasion.

“A first Champions League game creates enormous excitement,” Fabregas said. “Those feelings now have to become energy for Parma, because we need another strong performance.”

Unity remains central to Como’s progress

Although Como’s journey has been viewed as an unexpected football story, Fabregas has resisted becoming carried away by either results or outside opinion. He credits the close-knit nature of the group rather than any fairytale narrative.

“People looking in from outside can see it that way, because nobody expected this,” he said. “But the key is the unity of the group. I do not become too excited after a good result or too discouraged after a bad one. We need to shut out the media noise and concentrate on our work.”

Baturina and Diao praised for growing influence

Martin Baturina was among the leading figures in the Leipzig win, with the 23-year-old Croatian playmaker again drawing admiration from Fabregas. The coach highlighted Baturina’s instinctive reading of attacking situations, particularly after his first goal against the German side.

Fabregas described Baturina as an “anarchic talent”, a player whose natural feel for the game helps him find effective positions without relying solely on pace. He also praised the midfielder’s competitive edge and willingness to attack loose balls and make challenges.

Assane Diao has also improved after a difficult first season affected by injury. Fabregas said the forward had previously been frustrated and concerned that further physical problems could arise, but is now playing with greater calm after his extended lay-off.

• Baturina’s display against Leipzig underlined the maturity Fabregas sees in the Croatian at 23.
• Fabregas believes Baturina combines positional instinct with ambition and aggression.
• Diao has put injury-related concerns behind him and has found a more settled mindset.
• The Como coach believes both players possess significant potential and are continuing to develop.

Diego Carlos reunion adds to Parma meeting

Monday’s fixture will also bring Como up against Diego Carlos, the Brazilian centre-back whom the club sought to sign permanently during the summer after his successful loan spell.

Fabregas said he held discussions with Diego Carlos throughout the transfer window and maintained a strong relationship with the player. The move ultimately failed over minor details, despite Como’s desire to retain him, and the defender instead joined Parma.

Como had valued his contribution during a period last season when Marc-Oliver Kempf was injured and Ramon had played relatively little. Fabregas said Diego Carlos had pushed himself hard for the team in those circumstances, which was why the club wanted to recognise his efforts and keep him in the squad.