A jubilant Cesc Fabregas was full of praise for Como’s performance in their 4-1 victory over Manchester United in the Champions League on Wednesday evening, claiming that ‘winning this way is very satisfying’, even if United are no longer the European giants they once were.
Como put in an excellent performance, led by the magnificent Nico Paz, to claim a 4-1 victory at home against Manchester United in the Champions League on Wednesday night. The Argentine scored two and provided an assist for Tasos Douvikas, Jacobo Ramon and Joshua Zirkzee also got on the scoresheet later on in the second half.
You can see how the action unfolded on the Football Italia Liveblog.
Fabregas speaks after Como 4-1 Manchester United
“It’s a special night, but we are still at the beginning for everything we have in our minds,” Fabregas told Sky Sport Italia after full-time.
“The team played well this evening, but we need to keep our feet on the ground and remember there is another match coming up on Saturday.
“I want to dedicate the win to one of our kit staff, he knows why.”
Como dominated possession against the Premier League giants Manchester United, so do they believe that they can take this approach against anyone in Europe?
“I don’t know about that, it’s a bold statement. We must try to remain humble,” replied Fabregas.
“We will always prepare and try to play our game, whether it’s against Inter in the Coppa Italia semi-final, or with Napoli and Roma in Serie A. Preparation is fundamental, but so is the belief of these lads. It is all more difficult if they don’t have that.
“This was Manchester United we were up against tonight, it doesn’t matter if they are struggling at the moment, we must never forget that some of our players were having the third Champions League game of their entire careers.
“This is why the belief of these lads and their way of doing things gives me life. Winning this way is very satisfying, but this is where it gets difficult, playing the same way on Saturday in Serie A.”
Como were in Serie B when Fabregas arrived as a player, then stayed on as coach of their youth team, almost immediately promoted to the main job.
When asked if he is already looking beyond the lake for his ambitions, he pointed out this is a unique situation.
“I arrived here to end my playing career as a Como player. I had the opportunity to be the coach of their youth side, people say I have carte blanche here, but I had to earn that. Mistakes can be made, but I am fortunate to have a President and director of sport who understand me and believe in me.
“I am fortunate to have people who understand football. If we all trust each other, and are like a family, then good things are naturally going to follow. That is important to me.”
Nico Paz is also relishing his Como experience and given a free role behind Tasos Douvikas, which Fabregas credits to his own experience at Barcelona.
“When Pep Guardiola played me as a striker, I really liked that. Messi and I were given the freedom to sense where the spaces where and go find them. While others focused on positional play, we could do something extra,” smiled Fabregas.