Fabregas defends the Como project and rejects Inter at the Trento Festival

On the afternoon of the last usable day of the Trento 2026 Sports Festival, the Catalan coach Cesc Fabregas responded to criticism about the low presence of Italians in Como's lineup, reaffirming his growth philosophy and confirming the rejection of Inter's offer.

The journey from player to coach at Sinigaglia

Fabregas said he started his coaching career right at Sinigaglia, beginning with the Primavera before leading the first team towards the Champions League. He recalled his last spell as a player at Como, describing it as “strange” and explaining that, after Monaco, decisions were more impulsive than reasoned.

The Catalan highlighted that, during the three and a half years with Lucas Da Cunha, he moved the youngster from right winger to a midfield playmaker, without taking the credit: “The credit is all his, his hunger is incredible.” He added that he prefers players with “hunger” rather than already established great talent.

Rejection of Inter and commitment to Italian football

When Inter, after Simone Inzaghi's departure, offered Fabregas the job, the 39‑year‑old declined, explaining that for him “a youngster is worth more than a trophy”. He mentioned Nico Paz, who arrived from Real Castilla, and recalled the trust of Alex Valle, Perrone and other youngsters.

Fabregas responded to criticism about the lack of Italians on the pitch, highlighting that Como won Serie B with 95 % Italian players and that in the first Serie A season it could field more than ten. He emphasized that, although some Italian talents play in stronger teams, the club cannot be judged on just one season.

The coach also talked about Como's youth project, described as an “Italian youth movement in white‑blue colours”. He said he feels Italian, spends holidays in Italy and wants to develop players who understand time, space and movement. He mentioned Riccardo Cassano, who had never played in the Primavera, but was spotted on the second day of training.

Finally, Fabregas recalled his experiences as a player under Antonio Conte at Chelsea, where he discovered the tactical side of the game, and under Arsène Wenger, who gave him freedom. These lessons have shaped his approach at Como, where the “mindset and hunger” of the youngsters are at the heart of the project.