Cesc Fàbregas says Como must combine a calm approach with belief as they face the challenge of Champions League football. In an interview published by UEFA on 20 October, the Spanish coach discussed the club's progress, facing Manchester United and the ideas behind his coaching.
UEFA states that the interview was conducted on 17 September 2026, placing the remarks before the publication date.
Enjoying the challenge while competing
Fàbregas described competing against Europe's leading clubs as a major step for Como. He stressed preparation and analysis, while recognising the difficulty of reaching the next stage.
He also saw the Manchester United fixture as an occasion for the city, supporters, players and staff. Enjoyment did not replace the competitive objective: Como would still seek a win and three points. He identified mentality and inner strength as important when confronting stronger opponents.
Fàbregas said lessons from his former coaches had helped him develop his own methodology. Maintaining his team's identity matters to him, including in defeat; a loss is especially painful when the side has failed to play in its intended way.
Lessons from Como's development
A veteran of 104 Champions League appearances for Arsenal, Barcelona and Chelsea, Fàbregas ended his playing career at Como. He coached the Primavera team for four months before helping the seniors gain promotion in 2024 as Osian Roberts' assistant.
He subsequently took sole charge, finishing tenth in his first season and fourth the following term to secure Champions League qualification. Coaching former team-mates required difficult selection decisions, while his youth-team work taught lessons in discipline, respect and organisation.