Cesc Fàbregas is earning glowing praise in Italy for his managerial work at Como 1907, with legendary coach Arrigo Sacchi describing the Spaniard as a student of “the best football universities in Europe – Arsenal and Barcelona”
Fàbregas, who took full charge of Como last season before guiding them to promotion, has led the club to fifth in Serie A after nine matches. His side’s football has drawn admiration across Italy for its bravery, control and fluency, all hallmarks of the philosophy he absorbed under Arsène Wenger, in particular, and Pep Guardiola.
Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Sacchi said: “He comes from two important schools, he studied in the best football universities in Europe: Arsenal and Barcelona. He absorbed the taste of the game. When you have Arsène Wenger and Pep Guardiola as masters, it is difficult for you to make mistakes.
“Look how his boys move on the field: they always know what to do, what spaces to occupy, how to get out of complicated situations.”
Sacchi, whose Milan sides redefined Italian football in the late 1980s, has been especially impressed by the collective rhythm and tactical intelligence Fàbregas has instilled in his players. “Would you say, watching him play, that Como is a provincial? Nope. And whose credit is it if not the coach?” he added.
Fàbregas’s Como have lost just once this season, winning plaudits for their fearless approach and commitment to possession-based attacking football. The former Arsenal captain has transformed Como into one of Serie A’s most intriguing sides, showing the same vision and intelligence that once made him one of Europe’s finest midfielders. They recently beat Juventus 0-2.
Sacchi also drew parallels between Fàbregas and Antonio Conte, praising both for their commitment to football “that I like: aggressive, brave, purposeful.”
He concluded, “As long as there are coaches like Conte and Fàbregas, football will be in good hands.”