Cesc Fabregas praised Trevoh Chalobah and substitute Mattia Liberali after Como began the new Serie A season with a 1-1 draw at Udinese, while admitting the result at the Bluenergy Stadium did not leave him satisfied.
Como’s manager was particularly impressed by the response from his side after the interval, although he felt they could have done enough to claim all three points.
“We responded very strongly in the second half and probably should have turned the score around, but they created a goal from limited chances. It just didn’t happen in the end.”
Fabregas said Chalobah produced an outstanding performance, while 19-year-old Italian talent Liberali made a strong impression after coming off the bench.
“I think Chalobah played an incredible game. Liberali also played very well; he has something special. I like him because he has character. Of course, sometimes he plays better and sometimes worse.”
He added: “We signed this Italian talent early, and we can’t forget he’s only 19. I can quickly tell if a player meets the requirements, and he’s the type who says, ‘Give me everything, and I’ll respond.’ The other substitutes also came on well.”
The Como coach also reflected on the increased intensity created by changes to the rules this season. He said the faster pace and greater emphasis on sprinting and physical play could result in more injuries, making substitutions increasingly influential.
“It was a good match, maybe not so much for the coach,” Fabregas said with a smile. “I really enjoyed this game. The new rules have significantly raised the intensity. But now I have to adapt to the level of physical contact: players are constantly asked to sprint and use their bodies, which can lead to strains or injuries. Today, this affected Udinese more than us. So substitutions have become more important.”
He also defended Jesus Rodriguez after the player briefly left the pitch following a collision.
“I understand he needed to leave the field briefly after being hit, because it wasn’t time-wasting. This is an interesting rule, but in this case it was clear he was injured. Certainly, these new rules have brought some benefits.”
Fabregas confirmed Baturina and Nico Paz had already operated in close proximity and said their relationship would continue to develop without a major change to Como’s approach.
“We’ve had them playing close together before. There will be slight adjustments in every match, but our overall approach won’t change much.”
Como’s manager believes his team must retain its principles despite the demands of the new campaign, when a congested schedule may leave little time for training.
“This year, we must adapt to a very distinct identity, not just tactically. In previous seasons, we had a full week to prepare for a match, but this year, sometimes we can’t even train.”
The point was valuable because Fabregas expects Udinese to be difficult opponents for every team this season.
“We got a point on a very difficult pitcha word I don’t use lightly. Udinese won’t lose many games this season. They are a very strong team with a clear identity and a robust style of play. Whether it’s their pressing or their speed, they are very much like a Premier League side. I really like them, and they will make it very difficult for everyone.”
He said the match had again demonstrated how quickly mistakes are punished in Serie A.
“They are a strong, very physically imposing teama feeling you don’t get every week. They showed me once again that any technical or tactical mistake is immediately punished, as when we conceded the goal.”
Despite being frustrated not to win, Fabregas was encouraged by his players’ attitude.
“That’s football; everyone wants to win. I won’t go home happy, but the team’s response was very positive. I told the players that everyone had to be ready to decide the game, and they were. We still need to improve many things, and now we need to prepare for the next match.”
Asked about further transfers and Kean, Fabregas avoided discussing specific targets. Instead, he stressed that Como’s identity must remain clear regardless of changes to the squad.
“Regardless of who leaves or arrives, the team’s identity must be visible. I saw that against Arsenal, Villarreal, and Liverpool, and I’m satisfied. I don’t think too much about transfers; playing matches is my joy.”
However, he admitted the transfer window remains a distraction and would prefer it to close before the league campaign begins.
“I have to invest a lot of energy in this every day, which makes me uncomfortable because I have to talk to this person and that person, and my mind becomes a bit scattered. It would be best if the transfer window closed a few days before the first Serie A match.”
Fabregas concluded: “I should be thinking about the game, not checking my phone on the bus to see if anyone has messaged me. As long as the situation remains like this, we have to adapt.”
