Cesc Fabregas is straight up calling their Champions League qualification an ‘unexpected gift’ for Como, making it clear that Serie A and the Coppa Italia are still the absolute priorities for the club this season. This wild statement comes just days before their 2026-27 league campaign kicks off against Udinese on Saturday afternoon.
Fabregas Is All About the Long Game, Not Just Europe
Look, a top-four finish in Serie A last season was huge, but Fabregas isn’t letting anyone get complacent. He’s demanding they start fresh against Udinese, emphasizing that even with the Champions League adding extra games, Serie A and the Coppa Italia are what truly matter. He told DAZN Italia, “The Champions League is an unexpected gift for a side that was in Serie B until two years ago.” He’s realistic, too, acknowledging that playing three times a week and navigating Europe is new territory for everyone on the squad.
Fabregas isn’t just focused on one big season. He’s all about building solid foundations, not just flash-in-the-pan success. “We cannot forget that this club started from scratch just a few years ago,” he said, stressing that he doesn’t want Como to end up like some teams that do well one year only to find themselves back in Serie B a few seasons later. His vision is about building a strong identity that lasts 5, 10, or even 20 years, proving that he’s got a long-term plan in mind for Como.
Mattia Liberali: The Kid With ‘Fire in His Eyes’
But if you want to talk about what truly gives Fabregas confidence, he’s pointing directly to new Italian talent Mattia Liberali. Como snagged the 19-year-old for €6m this summer, reportedly rejecting a chance to go back to his former club, Milan. Liberali is even named among the substitutes for the Udinese game, showing how quickly he’s made an impact.
Fabregas absolutely believes in Liberali. He promised, “He’s Italian, talented, so we can also help the country to improve its talents.” The manager highlighted Liberali’s “great pre-season” where he “made his mark at the Emirates and Anfield.” Fabregas sees something special in him: “He’s only 19, but you can see some players are ready, they have that fire in their eyes.” That kind of praise from Cesc Fabregas? That’s serious business.
So, the new season kicks off this Saturday afternoon, 17.30 BST, as Como heads to Udine to face Udinese. Catch all the action on the Football Italia Liveblog, and keep an eye out for Liberali to make his mark from the subs bench. Fabregas has his priorities straight, and with young talent like Liberali ready to explode, Como is definitely a team to watch, even if their Champions League run is just a ‘gift.’
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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