Cesc Fabregas has spoken about his future after leading Como to the Champions League for the first time in the club's history. The former Arsenal, Chelsea, and Barcelona midfielder guided Como to a dramatic qualification on the final day of the Serie A season, with a 4-1 victory over Cremonese combined with AC Milan's shock 2-1 defeat at home to Cagliari.
A Dream Come True
Fabregas, who took over as head coach after serving as an assistant and caretaker manager in Serie B, has been linked with moves to bigger clubs. However, he insists he is in no hurry to leave, highlighting the unique level of control he enjoys at Como.
"I always say that I had to make many decisions here, because I was practically given the keys to the football side of things," Fabregas said. "There was practically nothing when we started. I was talking to two physios today who were with us four years ago when I came; we didn't have a training ground, so we'd do massages on tables in the back room of a bar! Now, we are in the Champions League!"
Growth and Patience
Fabregas reflected on his growth as a coach, describing his experience at Como as a "football university." He emphasized the importance of patience and continuous learning.
"It is my second year and a half as a coach, so thanks to the staff for the way they push and inspire me, and understand me. I realise I'm tough to deal with at times, but this is my life, always trying to do more. 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."
He added: "I am very happy here, so it's true that timing is important, but I am very happy with what we are doing here. We always want more, don't we? Life is long, I just turned 39 a couple of weeks ago. As Jose Mourinho said, there's a long way to go until I reach 80, that's 40 years of work. 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. In any case, Como have made the step up, because they are in the Champions League."
Emotional Celebration
Fabregas spoke emotionally with his players on the pitch after hearing AC Milan had lost. "I told you the day before Parma, we win the two games we are in the Champions League. I had a feeling, I always respond to my feelings. But guys, this is all up to you, this is all thanks to every one of you. You are the reason this is so f***ing beautiful. I thank you for all my life because this is probably the best group I will ever coach in my future. I have no doubt you will be remembered forever."
Underdog Story?
Como's owners are Indonesian conglomerate Djarum Group, making them the richest club in Italy. However, their star performers this season are not household names, with Nico Paz, Tasos Douvikas, and captain Lucas Da Cunha among the key men. Fabregas highlighted the youth of his squad: "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. 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 have to do it on the pitch. I am so happy for the people of Como, they deserve this joy."
