Cesc Fabregas laid out a challenging truth about his Como squad, emphasizing the absolute need for player rotation on a packed schedule. He is making it clear some players are understanding that need less than others, even as the team piles up massive wins. As Como gears up for another tough road test against Torino on Tuesday evening, Fabregas stressed the importance of making every single player “feel important,” a philosophy that seems to be bumping up against some resistance in the locker room.
Como’s Blazing Run and the Rotation Reality Check
Let’s be real, Como has been on an absolute tear. The games are coming thick and fast, but so are the victories. In just the last 10 days, this squad pulled off a massive 3-1 away win against Fiorentina on October 18, absolutely *smashed* Manchester United 4-1 in the Champions League last week, and then snagged a crucial 2-0 Serie A victory over Sassuolo on Saturday. That’s a ridiculous run of form that would make any manager happy. But with four more games coming up before the next international break, Fabregas knows the grind is real. He is not messing around when he says you can’t expect to play 66 hours after your last game and still be at your best.
The Torino Challenge and Fabregas’s Hard-Earned Wisdom
The next test comes on the road against Torino, who are no slouches themselves. Torino has recorded three consecutive victories under their manager, Ignazio Abate. Fabregas knows Abate well, having played against him many times, including in the 2012 EUROs final. Fabregas wasn’t shy about his respect for his opponent, telling Sky Sport Italia that Abate was “a tough guy as a player. Physically, he was top, he gave everything. His team represents that: Self-sacrifice, working hard for each other. Their team has improved since last year, he’s doing a good job.” This kind of gritty opponent makes Fabregas’s rotation message even more critical. He wants his guys fresh, ready to match that intensity. His whole approach is about making a lot of changes so “everyone feel important,” but the big hurdle is getting players to grasp that sometimes you play, sometimes you don’t, and you always have to give everything.
Maxence Caqueret: The Blueprint for Fabregas’s Meritocracy
Want to know who *gets* it? Look no further than Maxence Caqueret. This guy wasn’t even on Como’s UEFA squad list at the start of the season, but he has started the last three matches. Why? Because Fabregas runs a meritocracy. “Max represents what today’s football is all about: Be quiet, work hard, bring your expertise and show the coach you’re ready to play,” Fabregas explained. “We have a meritocracy: You play if you deserve it. I’ve always shown that in my three years as a coach.” Caqueret is the living proof that Fabregas’s system works when players buy in. He is showing the rest of the squad exactly what it takes to earn your minutes, no matter what the initial depth chart looks like.
So, as Como heads to the Stadio Olimpico Grande to take on Torino on Tuesday evening, it is not just another match. It is a real test of Fabregas’s philosophy, both on the field and in the locker room. Can the team continue its incredible run while some players are still figuring out the rotation game? We will find out soon enough.
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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