Emotional Como coach reflects on extraordinary rise after securing fourth place in Serie A
Cesc Fàbregas described Como 1907’s qualification for the Champions League as an “incredible achievement” after completing one of the most remarkable stories of the Serie A season.
Following Como’s decisive victory over US Cremonese, Fabregas arrived in the mixed zone soaked from the dressing room celebrations, unable to hide his emotion after guiding the club to a historic fourth-place finish.
“Before the match against Parma I told the players that with two wins we would reach the Champions League,” Fabregas revealed.
The Spanish coach explained how he inspired the squad during the decisive final stretch.
“I showed the team a video of a cyclist coming from sixth place to overtake everyone. The goal was to take inspiration from him—and we did.”
“An incredible achievement”
Fabregas emphasized how extraordinary the accomplishment is considering the age and experience of the squad.
“It’s an incredible achievement, especially with such a young team,” he said.
“We have so many Under-23 players.”
The former Arsenal, Barcelona and Chelsea midfielder also reflected on the enormous responsibility he took on after being entrusted with the club’s project.
“I had to make so many decisions. The president gave me the keys and I made a lot of choices.”
“We used to change inside a bar”
The most emotional moment came when Fabregas compared Como’s current success to the conditions he found when he first arrived at the club four years ago as a player.
“When I arrived four years ago, we used to change inside a bar. Today we are in the Champions League.”
The coach painted a vivid picture of how humble the club’s reality once was.
“We trained without a real training center. We had massages inside a bar near the pitch. Everyone went home at 12 or 12:30 because there was nothing else.”
Now, Como have become one of the biggest surprises in Italian football.
“And today we are fourth in Serie A.”
“It’s like going to university every day”
Fabregas described the journey as an ongoing learning process that continues to shape him as a coach.
“It’s like going to university every day,” he said with a smile.
“I’m happy with what we’ve achieved.”
Nico Paz future still uncertain
Fabregas also briefly addressed the future of Nico Paz, one of Como’s breakout stars this season.
The Spanish coach joked about who could best guide the young talent in the future.
“I see him better in Mourinho’s hands because José has won everything,” Fabregas laughed.
Still, he made clear he hopes the midfielder remains at Como.
“I hope he stays with us. For me, he’s like a son.”
From changing rooms inside a bar to Europe’s biggest stage, Fabregas has now turned Como into one of football’s most extraordinary stories—and the adventure may only be beginning.
