Cesc Fabregas has wasted no time turning his attention to Europe's biggest stage, declaring that Como must "raise the level" across every department following their stunning Champions League qualification in Serie A. The Spanish coach guided the Lombardy club to fourth place with 71 points, securing a historic return to continental football after 22 years away from Italy's top division.
Como's ascent represents one of football's remarkable transformations in recent seasons. The club earned promotion to Serie A only in the 2024-25 campaign and, against all expectations, clinched a European spot on the final day with a 4-1 victory over Cremonese. This achievement came just one year after Fabregas took full control in summer 2024, following a tenth-place finish in his inaugural Serie A campaign. The margin was tight—Como finished just one point clear of AC Milan—but the substance of their rise cannot be questioned.
From Celebration to Preparation
Speaking during the team's victory parade through Como's streets, Fabregas acknowledged the emotional toll of the celebrations while maintaining laser focus on the work ahead. "The night after the Cremonese match, we celebrated with the whole team and the staff. On Monday morning, we were already back to work, because it's the right thing to do," he explained. The coach emphasized that significant structural improvements must be implemented immediately if the club is to compete credibly in the Champions League, describing the transition as demanding and non-negotiable.
The former Arsenal and Barcelona midfielder attributed Como's rapid success to three pillars: clear coaching philosophy, squad quality, and unwavering fan support. He praised the supporters as the "12th man," crediting their energy as the difference-maker in tight matches. Fabregas resisted taking sole credit for the transformation, instead framing himself as a facilitator of the club's broader vision. "A coach is nothing without ideas, and without players who have a lot of willingness and quality," he said, emphasizing the collaborative nature of the project's success.
Continental Football Awaits
Como's Champions League adventure begins this autumn, marking the club's first taste of European football at the elite level in over two decades. The coaching staff now faces the dual challenge of maintaining domestic competitiveness while preparing for continental opposition. Fabregas has signaled that recruitment, tactical refinement, and organizational improvements will define the summer months. Whether Como can sustain this remarkable trajectory on Europe's grandest stage will define the true legacy of this Italian fairytale.
