Cesc Fabregas says he rejected the chance to join Internazionale because he would rather continue developing young players and help build Como’s identity.
Speaking at the Trento Sports Festival, Fabregas explained that he places greater value on the progress of players than on the trophies that may define a coach’s career.
Asked by host Stefano Agresti whether turning down Internazionale was courageous or reflected concerns about taking on such a major role after only a few years in coaching, Fabregas said he had carefully considered the decision.
“I am someone who thinks a lot and analyses a lot,” he said. “I know that when a coach ends their career, people will judge them by the trophies they have won, and that is normal.
“But for me, we are talking about the development of Da Cunha, who is now in the national team. In my opinion, that is more valuable than trophies.”
Fabregas also highlighted the influence he believes he has had on several young players who joined Como, including Nico Paz, who is now one of the club’s most prominent names.
“I am not being arrogant when I say this: I know that many young players came to Como because of me,” he said. “Everyone sees Nico Paz now, but two years ago, when he first arrived, he was a Real Madrid Castilla player, and his father placed all his trust in me.
“I am also talking about Valle, Perrone, Da Cunha and many others. To me, they are my trophies.”
The former player added that coaches need time to establish their ideas, although he acknowledged that they are rarely given enough of it.
“The most important thing is time, but for a coach, there is never enough time,” Fabregas said.
He pointed to Mikel Arteta’s spell in charge as an example of how patience can eventually produce success. Arteta finished 8th three times before finishing 5th, but seven years later had won the Premier League and reached the Champions League final.
At Como, Fabregas believes the club has the stability and shared confidence required to continue its progress.
“At Como, we have a clear plan and we trust each other,” he said. “I prefer to grow here and let this club continue to develop its identity.
“If I leave Como one day, we all hope my successor can continue to advance this project.”
