Why Fabregas belongs on Europe’s top shortlists

February 21, 2026 Oliver Obel

COMO, Italy When Cesc Fabregas questioned the value of results after a 3–1 defeat to AC Milan earlier this season, it felt like more than frustration. It felt like a statement of intent.

“Those who focus on results will enjoy this game,” he said that night. “But those who enjoy watching football will think Como wins eight times out of 10. We made 700 passes, they made 200 - incredible.”

Massimiliano Allegri was unimpressed. “Luck is a part of life, but it's disrespectful to reduce our results to chance,” the Milan coach responded.

The exchange underlined the tension at the heart of Fabregas’ early managerial career: aesthetic ambition versus Italian pragmatism.

A deliberate move into coaching

Fabregas did not drift into management. According to GOAL, when he joined Como as a player in 2022, discussions with the ownership included a long-term role beyond his playing contract.

He retired in 2023 and began working with youth teams before stepping into senior duties following Moreno Longo’s dismissal. Because of UEFA licensing regulations, Osian Roberts was officially registered as head coach for a spell, but Fabregas led much of the tactical preparation.

“At Como, we basically started from zero,” Fabregas said. “We didn't even have a training ground. The structure around the club was very poor.”

He has described reviewing everything from academy methodology to recruitment profiling not just first-team tactics as part of a broader rebuild.

The project behind the progress

Como’s rise has been accelerated by investment from Indonesia’s Djarum Group, owned by the Hartono brothers. The club was playing in Italy’s fourth tier in 2019. As of February, it sits seventh in Serie A and within reach of European qualification.

Fabregas has maintained that finances were not the primary draw.

“I didn't care about the money,” he said. “I just wanted to join a project that excited me. I see a long-term future for this club.”

Promotion from Serie B was followed by a 10th-place finish in the club’s first top-flight campaign in more than two decades. Italian media reports later linked him with Inter, but president Mirwan Muwarso dismissed the speculation, saying: “Our journey is long, it will last several seasons and revolves around Cesc Fabregas, who will not leave the club.”

Tactical detail, not dogma

Fabregas’ approach reflects his playing education under Arsene Wenger, Pep Guardiola, Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte managers with sharply contrasting philosophies.

Speaking to The Coaches’ Voice, he explained how he studies different defensive systems in advance.

“We analysed every tactical structure that exists in football and asked, what do we think is the best way to attack this structure?” he said.

He added: “I don’t want to be the coach that always has the same way of playing… But I want to be as dominant as possible, and nowadays to be dominant, you need to have as many solutions as possible.”

Como generally operate in a possession-focused 4-2-3-1. They build patiently from the back and attempt to control territory, even against more established sides. The approach has drawn praise from neutrals and frustration from more results-driven observers.

After a 4–0 defeat to Inter, Fabregas was asked whether he would consider a deeper defensive block. His reply was direct: “I prefer to lose 4-0 than do that.”

Adjusting to the role

The former midfielder has also acknowledged the emotional demands of management.

Following a recent loss, he told DAZN: “I’m annoyed that I wasn't able to help the boys understand the importance of the game. We made a mistake in our attitude, we have to show more desire and be better in attack if we want to play our game.”

Those admissions reflect a coach still refining his touchline persona. In Italy, where tactical caution often prevails, Fabregas is testing how far proactive football can carry a club without the financial power of the traditional elite.

For now, the results are keeping pace with the ambition. With a run-in that includes direct rivals for European places, Como’s next few weeks may shape both its season and the speed at which Europe’s bigger clubs circle.

Sources: GOAL, DAZN, The Coaches’ Voice