Cesc Fabregas has launched a scathing critique of his former Chelsea teammate Alvaro Morata, following a bizarre red card incident during Como's Serie A defeat to Fiorentina. The ex-Arsenal and Barcelona midfielder did not hold back, suggesting Morata should consider leaving football if he cannot cope with on-field provocation.
Como's Surprising Home Loss to Fiorentina
Como suffered only their fifth league loss of the season in a surprising 2-1 defeat at home to relegation-battlers Fiorentina on Saturday. Nicolo Fagioli gave the visitors the lead midway through the first half, and former Premier League striker Moise Kean doubled Fiorentina's advantage with a 54th-minute penalty. A late own goal from Fabiano Parisi gave Como hope, but they failed to find an equaliser and finished the match with ten men after Morata's dismissal.
Morata's Controversial Red Card
Alvaro Morata, who joined Como on loan from AC Milan at the start of the season, came on as a second-half substitute but did not see out the game. He received two yellow cards in the space of a minute, leading to his red card. The first yellow was shown for an off-the-ball tussle with Luca Ranieri, and Morata appeared to talk himself into a second yellow, resulting in his dismissal by referee Matteo Marchetti.
Morata looked bemused as the red card was brandished, but Fabregas had little sympathy for his former teammate. In a post-match interview with DAZN, Fabregas stated, 'Provocation is part of football. Those who can’t live with it should change careers. I expect much more from an experienced player like him. The line between winning and losing is very thin so we shouldn’t find excuses, and we shouldn’t care what others do on the pitch.'
Fabregas Reflects on Como's Performance
Discussing Como's defeat more broadly, Fabregas expressed frustration with his team's attitude and his own coaching efforts. He said, 'I’m annoyed that I wasn’t able to help the boys understand the importance of the game. I showed them my experience as a footballer during the week, maybe too much, but it wasn’t enough. We’re a young team. It wasn’t a football match in the second half. Leaving that aside, the game has to be won with the right motivation and energy.'
Fabregas added, 'I feel bad as a coach, because I wasn’t able to convey this to my players today. Maybe it was in our heads. We made a mistake in our attitude, we have to show more desire. I didn’t like the first half very much, the second half, I repeat, wasn’t a game of football.'
Implications for Morata's Future at Como
Como were expected to sign Morata on a permanent transfer at the end of his loan spell, but his underwhelming stint could force a rethink. Morata, who helped Spain win the Euros in 2024, has scored just once for Como and is yet to get off the mark in 15 league games. His lack of impact and recent disciplinary issues may jeopardise his future with the club.
Serie A Standings After the Match
The 2-1 defeat leaves Como seventh in Serie A, five points outside the Champions League places. Meanwhile, Fiorentina remain 18th, only in the relegation zone on goal difference, highlighting the tight battle at the bottom of the table.
This incident adds to the ongoing scrutiny of Morata's career, which has seen highs like international success but also frequent criticism for inconsistency and temperament. Fabregas's comments underscore the high expectations placed on experienced players in top-flight football.
