The serene waters of Lake Como now reflect a footballing revolution. Como 1907, a club that was playing amateur football in Serie D just a few years ago, is now challenging for a place in the Champions League. At the heart of this incredible ascent is head coach Cesc Fàbregas, whose unconventional methods and clear philosophy are reshaping expectations in Italian football.
Fàbregas's approach is a deliberate departure from Serie A orthodoxy. While the league is dominated by the 3-5-2 formation, he has implemented a dynamic 4-2-3-1 system. The results are striking: Como leads the league in possession, employs a high-intensity press, boasts the best defensive record, and has scored more goals than any team except Inter. This blend of tactical innovation and attacking flair has made them one of Europe's most exciting young teams.
"Innovation is very important," Fàbregas explained. "But more than innovation is new ideas. You have to comprehend your own team, to see where your team is." His team is exceptionally young, one of the youngest in Europe, and he tailors his demanding approach to their development. "I push a lot. I try to set the standards quite high depending on what they give me and how open they are to new things and to grow and to get better and to listen."
This philosophy extends directly to recruitment. The club's strategy, as Fàbregas states, is to "always try to bring players here that are humble enough, are hungry enough, to be able to listen and to learn." This ethos has attracted a mix of promising young talent and experienced winners who can guide them. Young stars like Argentine playmaker Nicolás Paz, signed for just €6 million, have flourished, while veterans such as Álvaro Morata and Sergi Roberto provide invaluable experience and leadership within the dressing room.
The infrastructure supporting Fàbregas is equally modern and meticulous. Director of recruitment Barend Verkerk, who as a child developed his own algorithms for the video game Football Manager, now heads a sophisticated scouting network. His team includes a data scout, six full-time scouts focused on key regions like Scandinavia and Spain, tactical analysts, and sports psychologists. This data-driven approach ensures a steady pipeline of talent that fits the club's specific profile.
The club's transformation began with its 2019 takeover by Indonesia's Djarum Group. President Mirwan Suwarso views the club as the "theme park" division of the Lake Como "main brand." From the ashes of bankruptcy and Serie D, they have built a project that now attracts 12,000 sell-out crowds to the picturesque Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia. The vision is long-term, with Osian Roberts, head of development, focused on building foundations through player and staff development.
Sustainability remains a key challenge. Recent accounts show a significant pre-tax loss, which Suwarso likens to a "start-up" phase, with an aspiration for profitability within two years. While the stadium will be renovated, it cannot compete commercially with giants like Inter and Milan. Instead, the club is forging its own path, avoiding the trendy multi-club ownership model to focus on becoming a unique, destination brand centered around its stunning location.
The success is already rippling through the club's ecosystem. The women's team has earned promotion to Serie A for the first time, and the primavera (under-19) side is on the verge of doing the same. This holistic growth underscores the project's health. For Fàbregas, the journey is about constant evolution. He laughs at his own early tactical choices from the promotion season, emphasizing the importance of being "humble enough and open-minded enough to be always constantly growing and getting better."
As Como prepares for the final stretch of the season, their story is more than a fairytale. It is a case study in modern football management, blending a clear tactical identity, innovative recruitment, and a sustainable long-term vision. Under Fàbregas's obsessive yet relaxed guidance, they are not just competing; they are setting a new standard for what a rising club can achieve.
Based on reporting from Football | The Guardian.
