Unprecedented rise or money‑fuelled surge? Fabregas defends Como

Cesc Fabregas insists that Como’s rapid ascent to the Champions League is unprecedented, even as critics blame the club’s Indonesian owners’ deep pockets, while he highlights the emergence of 21‑year‑old Nico Paz as the next Kaka. Fabregas, the Spaniard who lifted Como from Serie B to Europe’s elite in three years, argues the project transcends financial fire‑power.

Speaking to La dello Sport magazine, Fabregas contrasted his project with the decade‑long waits endured by Paris Saint‑Germain and Arsenal before they captured their first continental trophies. He noted, “Paris Saint‑Germain spent hundreds of millions and waited 15 years before winning the Champions League, while Arsenal had to wait seven years to win the Premier League,” underscoring that money alone does not guarantee success.

He added that Como’s salary bill remains modest, with only eight or nine teams in the league paying higher wages, suggesting the club’s financial outlay is far below that of many Serie A rivals.

Over the past twelve months, Inter, Milan, Napoli and Roma approached Fabregas to gauge his availability, but he said, “When I make a decision, I do not change it, so I was never likely to leave Como,” emphasizing his loyalty to the club’s president and his respect for the process.

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Fabregas also explained that he acquired midfielder Nico Paz fully from Real Madrid, though the Merengues retain a buy‑back clause. He praised Paz’s physique and quality, stating, “Nico Paz has everything, physique and quality,” and described the youngster’s ambition as a key factor in his development.

Drawing a parallel with the Brazilian legend, Fabregas said, “Kaka was a little more explosive. He had this surge forward that, like Andres Iniesta, was unstoppable,” while noting that Paz is “a little more physical, more positional, more static, but he knows how to use his body in a different way to others.”

The Como coach singled out Inter’s Argentine striker Lautaro Martínez as the best player in Serie A, calling him “the peak of Calcio right now,” thereby highlighting the high‑level talent he faces in the league.

Reflecting on his own career, Fabregas credited José Mourinho and Antonio Conte for shaping his managerial approach, saying, “Mourinho played with my mind… Conte too is a coach who won’t let anyone take anything for granted.” He concluded that the club’s progress is built on coaching impact rather than sheer financial investment.