Cesc Fabregas isn’t holding back, straight-up telling everyone that “the Champions League is unforgiving” as he hints at Como’s tactics for Nico Paz against Feyenoord. This isn’t just a casual comment either, coming right after Fabregas made some intriguing changes to the lineup ahead of their big clash. The stage is set at the De Kuip Stadion in Rotterdam, kicking off at 17.45 UK time (18.45 CEST), and you just know there are massive stakes for Como.
The Highs and Lows: Como’s Wild Ride So Far
Listen, Como’s Champions League journey started with a bang, a historic 4-1 home victory over RB Leipzig in their first ever match. That was absolutely thrilling, and it makes them the only Italian side to even get a win in the tournament this season! Talk about making a statement. But you know how soccer goes, things can shift fast. They’re heading into Rotterdam to face Feyenoord, who are currently leading the Eredivisie, and Como’s form in Serie A has been a bit shaky, only grabbing one point from their last two matches against Frosinone and a 10-man Roma side. This game against Feyenoord isn’t just about keeping that Champions League dream alive; it’s about finding consistency and proving they belong with the big dogs.
Fabregas Pulls the Strings With Tactical Twists
Fabregas isn’t one to shy away from making big calls, and he’s definitely got some tactical moves up his sleeve for this one. Moise Kean is still out injured after a setback on international duty, but the real head-scratcher is Nico Paz starting as a False 9. Yeah, a False 9! Though Martin Baturina and Assane Diao are also ready to rotate in that spot, it shows Fabregas is willing to mix things up. He kept his cards close to his chest with Sky Sport Italia, saying, “How they start is one thing, then how they find space on the pitch is another.” He also pointed out their “limited squad” for the Champions League, with Caqueret, Addai, and Kean all unavailable. Fabregas is clear that they need to make changes, but he’s also balancing it with Serie A, which he called “the most important thing for us.” He’s confident they’ve prepared for Feyenoord’s “more positional” defense, aiming “to hurt them in a different way.” You gotta respect a coach who’s adapting and trusting his gut like that.
Paz Steps Up and a Defensive Shift is On
And if Paz at False 9 wasn’t enough, get this: Nico Paz is wearing the captain’s armband from the start for the first time in his Como career! He’d only had the role as a substitute before. Fabregas’s reaction was classic: “I didn’t know he was the captain, I’d forgotten, they told me on the bus.” But he sees it as a huge step, highlighting how so many new challenges have emerged for the club over the last three years, pushing them to develop individually and collectively. Beyond Paz, there’s another significant change at full-back, with Alex Valle and Ivan Smolcic starting. This looks like a more defensive approach compared to the very attack-minded Yan Couto and Bruno Kaiki who played against Roma. Fabregas puts it simply: he trusts what he sees in his squad, studying the opponents, and relying on his own experience as a player. It’s all on the line as Como looks to navigate this brutal Champions League schedule.
This match against Feyenoord isn’t just another game, it’s a test of Fabregas’s tactical genius and Como’s resilience. Can Paz rise to the occasion as captain and False 9? Will that defensive shift be enough to contain Feyenoord and grab crucial points? The Champions League waits for no one, and Como needs to show that their historic first win wasn’t a fluke. Kick-off is soon; let’s see how they get after it!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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