Como secured historic qualification for the UEFA Champions League on the final day of the Serie A season, sparking wild celebrations across the city. The team paraded through the streets on an open-top bus, with manager Cesc Fabregas reflecting on a remarkable achievement that defied all expectations. Speaking to Sky Sport Italia during the festivities, Fabregas delivered a mix of pride and stark realism as he looked ahead to the challenges of competing at Europe’s top table.
Fabregas was candid about the work that lies ahead. “We had a long meeting at 2 p.m. with the president and the director,” he revealed. “We have consolidated the idea, the vision is already set for next season. I am very happy here, as you know, I still have a step or two to take and I’m learning a lot. We are building a mentality.” Those words underscored the deep-rooted project taking shape at the Lombardy club, where the former Arsenal and Barcelona midfielder has immersed himself completely since taking over in 2023.
The growth of this club has been lightning fast, Fabregas admitted. “Since we started, it’s been two and a half years of pushing expectations constantly. We are aware of who we are and we have a clear vision.” That clarity has been the hallmark of Como’s rise from Serie B promotion in 2024 to a top-four finish just two seasons later. For a team that had spent decades in the lower divisions, the leap into Europe’s elite competition represents nothing short of a masterpiece.
Yet Fabregas was quick to temper the euphoria with a warning born of experience. “Today we start preparing for a tough and different season,” he stated. “The demands of the Champions League are very high. If you’re not prepared at this level, you can concede six goals.” The 39-year-old knows the unforgiving nature of Europe’s premier club tournament, having lifted the trophy himself with Barcelona and endured painful defeats along the way. His message was clear: without proper reinforcement and tactical evolution, Como could suffer humbling nights.
The financial and logistical demands of competing in the Champions League cannot be overstated. For a club with a modest budget compared to continental juggernauts, the expansion of the squad and infrastructure will be a critical focus this summer. Fabregas’s comments hinted at an awareness that the current group, admirable as it is, needs additions to avoid being overwhelmed on multiple fronts. The mention of “taking six goals” was not hyperbole but a genuine concern about the gap in quality and depth between Italy’s top seven and Europe’s traditional powerhouses.
One player certain to attract intense transfer speculation is Nico Paz, the young Argentine playmaker who has blossomed under Fabregas. When asked about the growing interest from bigger clubs, the coach chose his words carefully. “He is a very important player for our growth,” Fabregas said. “We have grown with him and he with us. We are an important match. Let’s see what happens, but our desire is for him to stay with us.” It was a diplomatic yet firm statement, expressing Como’s intent to retain a talent who has been integral to their system.
Paz’s situation embodies the double-edged sword of Como’s success. The club’s rise places them in the shop window, making it harder to hold onto stars when Europe’s elite come calling. However, Fabregas repeatedly emphasized the strong bond between player and project, suggesting that continuity is a priority. The coming weeks will reveal whether that bond can withstand the financial might of suitors from England, Spain, or elsewhere.
Fabregas’s own future seemed settled, despite inevitable links to larger jobs. “I am missing a step or two more,” he admitted, underscoring his commitment to learning and improving at Como. The Spanish tactician has drawn rave reviews for his progressive, possession-based style and his ability to attract high-caliber players like Paz and others. Staying at Como for another season, with the challenge of the Champions League, offers a unique developmental stage before potentially stepping up to an elite club.
The reverberations of Como’s achievement extend beyond the club. For Serie A, having an unexpected entrant in the Champions League adds freshness and demonstrates the league’s growing competitiveness. It also serves as inspiration for other small-market clubs daring to dream. The financial windfall — estimated at over €30 million just for participation — will be transformative for Como, provided it is invested wisely. Fabregas’s clear-eyed approach suggests the club will not fall into the trap of reckless spending.
Looking ahead, the summer transfer window will be a defining period. Como must strike a balance between retaining core performers like Paz and recruiting players with the quality and experience to navigate a grueling schedule. Fabregas’s insistence on starting preparations immediately signals a proactive mindset, one that rejects complacency. The city’s celebrations were a moment to savor, but the hard work begins now.
In many ways, Fabregas embodies the modern coach who combines tactical acumen with emotional intelligence. His words resonated with a mixture of pride and humility, acknowledging the past while laser-focused on the future. “Let’s see what happens,” he said regarding Nico Paz, but the same phrase could apply to Como’s entire Champions League venture. The journey is just beginning, and the stakes have never been higher.
Based on reporting from Tuttosport.