Cesc Fabregas assures Como don’t believe Manchester United are in a Champions League crisis, but will ‘try to win’ despite new injuries for Jesus Rodriguez and Trevoh Chalobah.
It kicks off at the Stadio Sinigaglia on Wednesday at 17.45 UK time (18.45 CEST).
The Lariani won their first ever Champions League match by crushing RB Leipzig here 4-1, then fumbled a lead for defeat away to Feyenoord.
In terms of prestige, hosting former Treble winners Manchester United is right up there for the club that was in Serie B just three years ago.
Fabregas respect for Manchester United
COMO, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 14: Cesc Fabregas, Manager of Como 1907, celebrates victory after the Serie A match between Como 1907 and Parma Calcio at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on September 14, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“It is another historic day for the club, the fans and the city,” said Fabregas in his press conference.
“We’ve got to play with focus and ambition. This is Manchester United we are up against, so let’s enjoy it, play our game and try to win. It’s an incredible group of players, so we must be humble and realise there is much to learn. We’ll see how it goes, but respect our opponents.
“There are different ways of attacking, we try to study their weaknesses, but also don’t forget what we do best. They have a specific system and principles, but football is ultimately about the players. We tend to forget that, as directors and coaching staff.”
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 10: Michael Carrick, Manager of Manchester United, reacts after the draw in the Premier League 2026/27 match between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford on October 10, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
It is by no means the Manchester United of old, though, and they arrive in crisis with manager Michael Carrick under severe pressure.
“I don’t believe in crises in football, you have a game every three days, it’s 11 against 11, and you’ve got to give your best,” replied Fabregas.
“A crisis is invented by you journalists, but we are professionals, we’ve wanted to compete since the day we were born. I don’t believe in any crisis.”
He also refused to answer when asked if he’d like the Manchester United job “out of respect for Carrick and an institution like United.”
COMO, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 10: Cesc Fabregas, Manager of Como 1907, celebrates after the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Como 1907 and RB Leipzig at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on September 10, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)
Como have struggled to adapt to the packed schedule, stuttering in Serie A after their first Champions League fixture.
“Many players have never done this before, but we’ve got to improve and play with ambition. We cannot talk too much about history, because otherwise these players step onto the field with fear. A coach must give his players confidence. If we think we’re higher than we are, then it will be more difficult.”
Fabregas first arrived as a player at Como in Serie B, then became the coach and oversaw the development of a whole club working in tandem with President Mirwan Suwarso.
“The President asked what my vision was, I work with Suwarso and the directors like a family, we trust each other. Even when we lose, the fans are very supportive, and that is special. We must remember where we were four years ago. If we work hard, the history of Como will be remembered forever.”
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 21: Nico Paz of Como 1907 talks to Cesc Fabregas, Head Coach of Como 1907 during the Coppa Italia Semi-Final match between FC Internazionale and Como at San Siro on April 21, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
The added strain of more games has also had an effect on fitness, with Moise Kean still out tomorrow with Assane Diao suffering a thigh strain during the last match.
“Unfortunately, it will be a long stop for Jesus Rodriguez, it does not seem to be a minor issue, so it’s quite serious. Trevoh Chalobah will be out for at least two weeks, we’ll see if Kean can make it for Saturday.”
Although the coach confirmed Tasos Douvikas will start upfront rather than use Nico Paz as a False 9 again, he wouldn’t be drawn on whether Robert Sanchez or Jean Butez will go in goal.
Considering his experience as a player at Arsenal, Fabregas was asked if he saw himself as the Arsene Wenger figure to Nico Paz.
“There can only be one Wenger. I feel responsibility yes, as parents hand over their child to you at a young age, but we want to help form champions. I like to get to know the family of players, to understand who is coming here.”