Fàbregas & his Long View on Coaching Como 1907

By the beautiful waters of Lake Como, Cesc Fàbregas is recalibrating football. Just a year and a half into his coaching career, he’s at the helm of Como 1907 in their first Serie A season in more than two decades. During the international break, BLU sat down with the former World Cup winner to discuss his rapid transition from player to coach, the project at Como, and his vision for the future.

BLU: Your coaching career started just over a year ago with Como’s Primavera team. Did you imagine you’d find yourself in Serie A this quickly?

Cesc: No, honestly, not so fast. After only four months with the Primavera, the opportunity came, and you have to be ready for it. I was already leading a lot of players, so that helped. It’s been a great experience so far.

BLU: Many of the players you’re coaching now were once your teammates—Sergi Roberto and Pepe Reina, for example. Is it easier or harder to manage people you’ve played alongside?

Cesc: Easier, definitely. I try to bring in people I trust—good players, professionals, and people. That trust makes everything simpler.

BLU: Como is becoming one of the more talked-about clubs in Europe because of its ambition. What is the vision driving this project?

Cesc: It’s about long-term growth. We want to develop young players, build a major sports center, and eventually a new stadium. Our owner is fully committed to this vision, and the goal is to establish Como as a strong, sustainable club at all levels.

BLU: From a tactical perspective, what’s your vision for the way Como plays?

Cesc: I want us to be proactive. We aim to dominate possession, press high, and manage transitions intelligently. Serie A is a very demanding league, so we’re focused on players who have hunger and adaptability—those who can dribble, defend, and find spaces. It’s about doing all of it with consistency and passion.

BLU: Como has had some big results this season—wins over Atalanta and Roma, for example. Do you think these performances are a glimpse of what this team can become?

Cesc: Absolutely. But it’s just the start. There’s so much room for improvement in all areas.

BLU: In that Roma game, Gabrielloni scored a crucial goal. What does he represent to the club?

Cesc: Gabrielloni is Como’s history personified. He’s humble, hardworking, and ambitious—proof that anything is possible if you put in the effort. He’s risen with the club from Serie D to Serie A, getting stronger with every step. He’s an example of determination and a winning mentality.

BLU: Nico Paz has also impressed this season. Did you expect him to be ready for this level so quickly?

Cesc: Not this quickly, no. The idea was to give him time—three months or so to adapt. He came from Spain’s Segunda B, which is equivalent to Serie C here. I didn’t expect him to perform at such a high level from day one, but credit to him for managing the transition so well.

BLU: Are there players in the squad you see as having similar qualities to yourself as a player?

Cesc: Maybe a little in Nico Paz or Sergi Roberto. At the end of my career, I see some similarities with Perrone, too. I like players who can be versatile and complete. Nico has the potential to become someone who excels in all phases of the game, both defensively and offensively.

BLU: Away from the pitch, how do you spend your free time in Como?

Cesc: I don’t really have much free time! When I do, I’m usually with my family or playing padel with the staff. My kids are still small, so I try to be present as much as I can.

BLU: You never played in Serie A as a player. What’s your impression now that you’re coaching here?

Cesc: It’s a very competitive league, and I think it’s growing a lot. There’s a strong focus on tactics and results—maybe less on performance—but that’s changing. Younger coaches are bringing new ideas, and that excites me. Analysing Italian teams is a unique challenge, and I’m learning so much from it.

BLU: Several new players joined the club recently—Caqueret, Butez, and Diao. What do they bring to the team?

Cesc: Butez is experienced and a leader, though he can still grow in some areas. Caqueret is versatile and aggressive, which is fundamental to our game. 

Fàbregas speaks of Como 1907 with the passion of someone deeply invested in its future; he’s shaping the club with a sense of purpose. It’s still early days for Como in Serie A, but under Fàbregas’ watchful eye, the project is quietly but steadily taking shape.