Cesc Fabregas has urged Como to remain focused on their Serie A opener at Udinese, refusing to be drawn on reports linking the club with a possible late move for a new striker, including Moise Kean.
Como begin their league campaign away from home as they prepare for an unusually demanding season, with Fabregas stressing that transfer speculation must not distract his players before the match.
“We can’t let ourselves get distracted by whether or not a striker arrives before Udinese.”
The former Arsenal, Chelsea and Barcelona midfielder used his pre-match news conference to describe the campaign as a new beginning for a club entering unfamiliar territory.
Como are set to compete in three competitions, including the Champions League, for the first time in their history. Fabregas said the experience would bring a number of challenges, with matches potentially taking place every three days.
“It’s been a nice progression, but in the end survival is survival. This year we start from zero. Zero games, zero points. This is a very special season, we’re playing in three competitions, something we’ve never done before. We’ll be playing every three days. There are so many unknowns. The Champions League is a gift, but Serie A and the Coppa Italia are very important.”
Fabregas also admitted he would prefer the transfer window to close before competitive matches begin, although he accepted that clubs must work within the existing rules.
“Do I like the market being open with the season already started? No, but nobody likes that. We know that’s how it is, though.”
Asked about the possibility of further additions, the Como manager pointed to the club’s work in strengthening the defence. He said completing deals for the right players could be complicated, despite the number of names available in the market.
“A strong central defender we’ve brought in is Chalobah. It’s not easy, there are so many names out there, I know all the centre-backs from the last two years and it’s not that simple.”
Fabregas confirmed that Nico Paz remains a doubt to start against Udinese after experiencing muscular fatigue during pre-season. However, he said the Argentina international could still feature and added that the rest of the squad was available.
“Nico Paz could have played 45 minutes, he felt a bit of muscular fatigue but that’s normal. We didn’t want to risk it, he played as much as he needed to. Everyone is available. He could play against Udinese.”
The Como coach also praised the early performances of Mattia Liberali, who chose to join the club from Serie B side Catanzaro rather than return to Milan.
“I’m really happy, genuinely. Seeing him play at that level against Arsenal and Liverpool, and he’s an exceptional lad. I’m very happy.”
Fabregas said he expected Como’s other young players to make a similar contribution as the club adapts to European football and the increased demands of the season.
“I expect it 100%. They have to, there’s no choice. I like it because this is a season where they need to take on responsibility.”
