Como head coach Cesc Fabregas says the club’s rapid rise from Serie B to Champions League football in just three years is “frankly unprecedented”, while insisting his team’s progress has not been driven solely by the spending power of its Indonesian owners.
Fabregas made the comments in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport’s magazine, during which he also discussed his decision to remain at Como despite reported interest from Inter, Milan, Napoli and Roma.
“It’s true Como spent money, but the growth of the club has been at a frankly unprecedented pace,” replied Fabregas.
“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. I don’t look at the money spent, so much as getting the best out of the squad and individuals.
“It’s also fair to say our salary bill is not enormous, there are eight or nine teams in the league with higher wages than us.”
The former Spain international said his commitment to Como meant he was never seriously considering a move elsewhere, even though clubs had sounded out his availability during the past year.
“When I make a decision, I do not change it, so I was never likely to leave Como. I was very clear with my President, I listen to others as a sign of respect, because it also allows me to explain my reasons.”
One of Como’s major investments has been the purchase of the remaining 50% of Nico Paz from Real Madrid. The Spanish club, however, retain a buy-back clause for the 21-year-old midfielder.
Fabregas believes Paz has the physical attributes and technical ability to develop into a player capable of representing some of Europe’s biggest clubs.
“Nico Paz has everything, physique and quality,” noted Fabregas.
“When I talk to him, I try to understand how eager he is to get to the top. If I turn towards him and he looks the other way, then that’s the moment to let him go. Nico has extraordinary courage, vision and ambition. He is 21 years old, but it feels like he’s been playing for a decade.
“Like with all young players, you need to keep pushing him, to help develop the person as well as the player. That’s how you create a player who can fit in at Juventus, Inter or Real Madrid.”
Paz has been compared with Milan great Kaka, but Fabregas believes the two players have different qualities.
“Kaka was a little more explosive. He had this surge forward that, like Andres Iniesta, was unstoppable. When he started, you couldn’t get him back. Nico is a little more physical, more positional, more static, but he knows how to use his body in a different way to others.
“He’s got the goal in his mind, a great final pass, has started to understand the game a lot better. He is a talent.”
Asked to identify the outstanding player in Serie A, Fabregas selected Inter captain and Capocannoniere Lautaro Martinez, describing the Argentina forward as “the peak” of Italian football at present.
Fabregas also reflected on the influence of the managers he worked under during his playing career. He highlighted Jose Mourinho’s psychological understanding and Antonio Conte’s uncompromising approach to standards and discipline.
“Mourinho played with my mind, he would do something with me knowing full well it wouldn’t work with the others. He’s so intelligent. Conte too is a coach who won’t let anyone take anything for granted, every player is treated the same way. He has a strong vision.”
