Cesc Fabregas expressed his immense pride and the historical significance of leading Como into the Champions League, a feat he likened to attending a “football university” daily.
The former Arsenal and Barcelona midfielder, now coaching Como, guided the club to European qualification, a remarkable achievement considering their recent promotion from Serie B. This historic milestone was secured following AC Milan’s surprising collapse at San Siro, coinciding with Como’s decisive 4-1 away victory against Cremonese, which also relegated their opponents.
Fabregas Reflects on Como’s Historic Champions League Berth
Speaking to DAZN Italia, Fabregas revealed his premonition about the Champions League qualification. “In my whole life, even when I make substitutions, I’ve just had feelings about things, and I had the feeling the day before we played Parma that with two victories, we’d be in the Champions League,” he stated.
He used the analogy of a cyclist making a final sprint to win a race to describe Como’s season. “We had some setbacks… so we knew that we needed a run of wins, but the sensation was always that we were in the race.”
Despite the tension of waiting for other results, Fabregas remained focused on his team’s performance, never asking for updates from other matches.
A Masterpiece for a Young Squad
When asked to rank this achievement among his illustrious playing career, Fabregas emphasized the unique nature of this accomplishment. “Right up there, because of the way we did it. This is a squad full of kids, we’ve got 15 players who are all under 23, so it’s a masterpiece from the whole team. They listened, always wanted to do more, raised the bar at the right time.”
He lauded his players for their on-field execution: “I can only tip my hat to these players, because we coaches try to push them on, give options, tell them where the space is, but they are the ones who do it on the pitch. I am so happy for the people of Como, they deserve this joy.”
From Serie B Pitches to Champions League Dreams
Fabregas’s tenure at Como began when the club was still in Serie B. He played a pivotal role in rebuilding the club’s football operations, even contributing to the design of the training facilities.
“I always say that I had to make many decisions here, because I was practically given the keys to the football side of things, and there was practically nothing when we started,” he explained. He recalled the rudimentary conditions of his early days as a player, where massages were given on tables in the back of a bar, a stark contrast to their current Champions League status.
“It is my second year and a half as a coach, so thanks to the staff for the way they push and inspire me, understand me. I realise I’m tough to deal with at times, but this is my life, always trying to do more.”
Fabregas reflected on his personal growth: “I have grown so much in this experience. It has been like going to a football university every day, because I had to make so many decisions. The day I do leave here, I will become just a coach.”
Future at Como and Beyond
Despite being linked with numerous high-profile clubs, Fabregas expressed contentment with his current role at Como, especially after securing a Champions League spot. He acknowledged the importance of timing but reiterated his happiness with the club’s trajectory.
“We always want more, don’t we? Life is long, I just turned 39 a couple of weeks ago… You mustn’t be in a hurry in your work, you’ve got to have patience and keep learning. When one day you feel ready, you might make the step up,” he commented on his coaching future.
“In any case, Como have made the step up, because they are in the Champions League,” he concluded.
