Cesc Fabregas has found a new chapter in his storied football career with Como in the 2024/2025 season. The 37-year-old former Barcelona, Arsenal, and Chelsea midfielder has transitioned into the role of a player-manager, and he is showing that leadership on and off the pitch is not just about tactics, but also about mentality and growth. His recent win over his former coach, Antonio Conte, and Napoli, has proven to be a pivotal moment in his journey as a manager.
Fabregas’ relationship with Conte is one filled with mutual respect, even though their time together at Chelsea started on a rocky note. When Conte first arrived at Stamford Bridge, he made it clear to Fabregas that he wasn’t part of his first-choice midfield, preferring the more physical presence of players like N’Golo Kanté and Nemanja Matic. But Fabregas, ever the professional, used the challenge to push himself and prove Conte wrong. After months of hard work, Fabregas eventually became a key figure in Conte’s system, helping Chelsea win the Premier League and FA Cup.
Despite the ups and downs, Fabregas’ admiration for Conte has never wavered. Before Como’s match against Napoli, Fabregas admitted that he had learned a lot from his former coach, especially in terms of working with players and understanding the nuances of tactical football. However, Fabregas emphasized that the key difference between himself and Conte is his natural passion and relentless desire to win, which he now brings to his managerial role.
In Como’s recent victory over Napoli, Fabregas’ growth as a manager was evident. He faced one of the most difficult challenges of his young coaching career, going head-to-head with his old mentor, Antonio Conte. Fabregas admitted that the match was a learning experience for him, claiming, “This game was worth a year of experience for me. Conte made me sweat with his changes in tactics, and I can only thank him for pushing me to raise my level as a coach.”
After a tough first half where Como struggled against Napoli’s physicality in midfield, Fabregas made a decisive change in the second half. Sensing that Napoli’s pressure had eased, he brought on striker Patrick Cutrone, replacing a midfielder. This attacking move paid off just minutes later when Fabregas pressured Lobotka into a mistake, leading to the goal that secured Como’s victory.
Fabregas emphasized the importance of mentality in his post-match comments, stating, “Our goal was always to win. I could feel the strength coming from the fans, and that energy pushed us forward.” He continued, highlighting Como’s mentality as key to their success: “This is our mentality, and it must be the mentality of Como 1907. Anyone who comes here has to know they’re facing a team that never gives up, always pushing forward in search of the three points.”
Indeed, the shift in mentality is a major achievement for Fabregas’ side this season. Their resilience has been growing, and it was particularly evident in their second-half performance against Napoli. Fabregas noted that this victory is a sign of their progress in handling adversity, a stark contrast to their earlier match against Napoli at the Maradona. Back then, Como had been leading but succumbed to defensive mistakes and naivety, eventually losing 3-0. However, this time, Fabregas’ squad showed maturity and resilience, handling the pressure much better.
Fabregas is already looking ahead to future challenges, including Como’s upcoming match against Roma. However, he won’t be on the bench for that match, as he is serving a suspension after receiving a yellow card against Napoli. Despite this setback, Fabregas remains focused on his goal: ensuring Como’s survival in Serie A. With their new-found mentality and tactical resilience, the club has been moving in the right direction.
For Fabregas, every game is another opportunity for growth, both as a manager and as a leader. His journey from player to manager has been a compelling one, and his ability to adapt and evolve has become the cornerstone of Como’s season. The seeds of his success have already been planted, and it will be exciting to see how the 2024/2025 season continues to unfold for the Spaniard and his team.
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