Cesc Fabregas believes Como are beginning to show what they could become after following their historic Champions League victory with an important 2-1 Serie A win over Parma.
Como returned to the Stadio Sinigaglia for their first home league match of the season after renovation work forced them to play their opening three Serie A fixtures away.
The victory came just days after Thursday’s 4-1 win over RB Leipzig in Como’s first-ever Champions League match, providing Fabregas with an important test of his squad’s mentality and depth.
Fabregas delighted with Como response
Several players were struggling with fatigue after their European exploits, forcing Fabregas to rotate his team.
The Spaniard was particularly encouraged by the performances of those brought into the starting XI and the substitutes who contributed from the bench.
“This was an important response for the team, because it means I can rely on everyone,” Fabregas said.
“This is an important victory for me as a coach, because I am starting to realise what team we could become.”
Como had 31 attempts but initially struggled to convert their dominance into goals, allowing Parma an opportunity to respond.
Fabregas acknowledged that managing those different phases is another part of his team’s development.
Como learning from Arsenal success
One area Fabregas wants Como to improve is their threat from defenders and set pieces.
New arrival Kaiki demonstrated exactly that by scoring Como’s second goal, earning praise from his manager for both his defensive qualities and attacking contribution.
Fabregas then pointed towards former club Arsenal as an example Como can learn from.
“In modern football, it is very important to have defenders who score goals,” he explained.
“Arsenal won the Premier League largely with goals from defenders and on set plays. If we add this to our capabilities, then it’s an advantage.”
For Fabregas, adding that extra dimension could make an already dangerous Como side significantly more difficult to contain.
Moise Kean needs time to adapt
Fabregas also handed Moise Kean his first start following the striker’s arrival from Fiorentina.
The Como boss warned that Kean will require time to adapt to a system demanding different things from him compared to his previous clubs.
Fabregas used Tasos Douvikas as an example, explaining how much the striker has developed since initially joining Como.
“This team asks different things to what he was accustomed to, so it takes time and hard work,” Fabregas said.
However, having Kean and Douvikas available gives Fabregas two high-quality options as Como attempt to compete domestically while navigating their first Champions League campaign.
Key Points
- Cesc Fabregas hailed Como’s 2-1 victory over Parma as an important response following their Champions League exploits.
- Como had beaten RB Leipzig 4-1 just days earlier in their historic first Champions League fixture.
- Fabregas believes his squad is beginning to demonstrate what it could eventually become.
- The Como boss highlighted Arsenal’s goals from defenders and set pieces as something his team can learn from.
- Moise Kean made his first start, although Fabregas says the striker needs time to adapt to Como’s demands.
What’s Next?
Como must now maintain the mentality Fabregas demanded while balancing Serie A and Champions League football. Developing their set-piece threat and integrating Kean could provide further weapons as the season progresses.
1 Comment (last comment by JamesLove)
First read message
By JamesLove 14 Sep 2026 21:14
Wish we had Cesc instead of Xabi Alonso
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