Cesc Fabregas has openly discussed Como’s ambitious pursuit of Champions League qualification, revealing pivotal advice he received from Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta. “I wasn’t sure I was ready,” Fabregas admitted, reflecting on his coaching journey.
Currently, Como holds a three-point advantage over both Juventus and Roma in the race for fourth place. They aim to solidify this position during their upcoming match against Udinese on Monday at 11:30 UK time (12:30 CEST). A remarkable streak of five consecutive victories has propelled them up the league table, making an extraordinary Champions League berth a tangible goal.
Fabregas and Como: Unveiling Ambition
During his press conference, Fabregas emphasized the challenge ahead: “Udinese is one of Serie A’s most physically demanding teams. I appreciate their work ethic, so we must be extremely precise and maintain a high tempo.” He reiterated the team’s self-reliance in their Champions League quest: “Our Champions League fate rests with us. We understand who we are and what we aspire to achieve. To win any game in this league, a certain level of performance is non-negotiable.”
The team faces some roster adjustments due to injuries. Jesus Rodriguez has sustained a knee injury, joining long-term absentee Jayden Addai. Jacobo Ramon is also not at full fitness.
Fabregas highlighted the team’s development: “This squad has matured mentally, gained more options, and become both more consistent and resilient. My constant demand is for us to play at full intensity – that must be our core mentality. Even if a red card or a penalty occurs, we must maintain a positive outlook.”
Como’s impressive run also extends to the Coppa Italia, where they reached the semi-finals after a goalless first leg against Inter. This marks an exceptional season for a club that was in Serie B just two years ago.
Fabregas’s success has earned him the Bearzot Award for coaching, and he is already being linked with high-profile positions at clubs like Real Madrid and Chelsea. Reflecting on his personal growth, Fabregas stated: “I am driven to improve. I won’t be the same coach in 8-10 years as I am today, just as I’ve evolved since I started two years ago. I feel prepared for any challenge, which is why I have no doubts about my capabilities. A leader’s role is to persuade players, to guide them. I acknowledge areas where I need to grow, but we’ve laid the groundwork. Now, we just need to break through, continue winning, and do so convincingly. This also means embracing the pressure, even if it’s not the ultimate objective.”
Fabregas also shared insights into his pre-Como conversations with fellow coaches and former teammates. “I spoke with Arteta and confessed I wasn’t sure if I was ready for this role,” Fabregas recalled. “He told me: ‘Our competitive nature is so strong that even if you’re not fully ready, that drive will compel you to find solutions and give you the necessary vision.’ Two years later, I can confirm he was absolutely right. My staff provided valuable advice, but ultimately, I am the one who must speak, make decisions, and feel it deeply within me. A coach truly needs to be ready.”
The scarcity of Italian players in Serie A clubs, especially after the national team’s failure to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup, has drawn criticism. Como stands out as a particular example, having fielded an Italian player for only one minute in Serie A this season. Fabregas addressed this: “Naturally, I admire Italian players, but they are typically at clubs like Juventus and Inter. I’ve always liked Manuel Locatelli, and Marco Palestra is a talent. The issue is, if you inquire about Palestra, they demand €40 million. I understand our current lack of Italian players, but we did have them two years ago. We all have to make strategic choices at the right time. There are many young players now, and we started from scratch two years ago; this is a different phase for us.”
