Cesc Fabregas once confessed that managing in the Premier League represented his ultimate coaching ambition. Little did he know, those words, spoken in August 2023, would echo with remarkable speed as his managerial star ascended.
Fabregas’s rapid rise at Como has turned heads across Europe, and particularly at his former club, Chelsea. Following the departure of Liam Rosenior, Chelsea’s ownership group is now actively searching for their fifth manager since taking control, and Fabregas is firmly in the conversation.
What could Fabregas offer Chelsea? His journey at Como reveals a manager quickly establishing a compelling vision and delivering tangible results.
After transitioning directly from a celebrated playing career, Fabregas initially focused on youth development at Como before swiftly progressing to the first-team setup. He guided Como back to Serie A at the first attempt, then secured a commendable tenth-place finish in their return season.
This season, Como currently occupies a European qualification spot, a testament to Fabregas’s impact. Beyond the league position, he’s cultivated a reputation for astute analysis, clear communication – aided by his fluency in four languages – and a deep understanding of the game.
“Cesc is going to be one of the very top coaches,” declared former Como goalkeeper Pepe Reina. “He has his ideas, but also a pragmatism in communicating them. He convinces you.”
Fabregas’s tactical approach is equally defined. He envisions “a team that wants to dominate, to create chances, to defend high up the pitch, and to aggressively win the ball back.” This isn’t just rhetoric; it’s reflected in Como’s data.
Como consistently employs a 4-2-3-1 formation and boasts the highest average possession in Serie A this season at 61.1%. Their build-up play focuses on drawing out the opposition press, creating central space, and utilizing wide players and full-backs effectively.
The team’s attacking play is spearheaded by Nico Paz, on loan from Real Madrid, who expertly links midfield and attack. Como also ranks second in Serie A for through balls, demonstrating a willingness to play incisive passes into dangerous areas.
Defensively, Como is equally assertive. Their PPDA (Passes per Defensive Action) of 9.1 is the best in the league, highlighting their intense pressing game. This aggressive approach has yielded the most goals from high turnovers in Serie A.
However, Fabregas’s style isn’t without its critics. Some question whether his emphasis on attractive football comes at the expense of consistent results. This debate mirrors a broader discussion within Italian football between prioritizing style versus substance.
Italian football journalist Lorenzo Bettoni notes, “Fabregas is a bit controversial. There’s always been a debate between those who play well and those who win. He has great ideas and implements a great playing style, but there are doubts about whether he can achieve results relying solely on that.”
A return to Chelsea would present a unique challenge for Fabregas. At Como, he enjoys a level of influence as both shareholder and head coach, something unlikely to be replicated at Stamford Bridge, where previous managers have clashed with the ownership.
While Fabregas has built a young and dynamic squad at Como, he’s also strategically added experienced players like Diego Carlos and Alvaro Morata. A similar injection of experience would be invaluable at Chelsea, but whether the club will deviate from its youth-focused transfer policy remains uncertain.
Comparisons to Mikel Arteta’s successful turnaround at Arsenal are inevitable. Whether Fabregas would be granted the same patience in the demanding environment of Stamford Bridge is an open question, but his Italian record suggests he can quickly implement a winning formula.
