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Cesc Fabregas has praised his Como players, describing them as the best group he will ever manage, after the club achieved historic Champions League qualification.
The former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder led the team to a top-four finish in Serie A, completing a remarkable rise from the second division to Europe’s elite competition in just two years.
A historic night in Serie A
The lake club achieved the unthinkable on the final day of the Serie A season, leapfrogging AC Milan into fourth place to secure their Champions League debut.
A resounding 4-1 win at Cremonese, combined with the Rossoneri’s home defeat to Cagliari, sparked wild celebrations among traveling fans and staff.
In a season in which they also reached the semi-finals of the Coppa Italia, Fábregas has transformed the club’s identity.
Making the most of the dramatic results of the last round, Como secured the fourth and final spot in the Champions League, marking only the second time in its history that it has qualified for any European tournament.
Fábregas pays tribute to his squad
Following his tradition of post-match huddles, the Spanish coach gathered his players on the pitch of the Stadio Giovanni Zini to bid an emotional farewell to the campaign.
Fabregas was visibly moved as he addressed the team that has defied expectations throughout the season to compete with Italy’s traditional powerhouses.
“The last circle of the season,” Fábregas told his team. “I told you the day before Parma, we won both games, we are in the Champions League. I don’t know why I told you, I had a feeling, I always receive my answers by feeling.”
“But guys, this is all up to you. It’s all thanks to each one of you. We try to help you, we try to give you certain solutions, but you are the reason why this is so beautiful. I thank you all my life. All my life, because this would probably be the best group that I will coach in my future.”
Unforgettable memories for newcomers
Not long ago, Como were competing in Serie B, but a relentless attacking philosophy under Fabregas saw them finish the campaign as the league’s second-highest scorers, only behind champions Inter.
His final record of 20 wins and 65 goals underlines his status as a true force in Italian football.
Fabregas emphasized the lasting legacy his players had created with their accomplishments this season.
He continued: “I have no doubt that they will be remembered forever. Now we can say that and more. And I will see you, have a good holiday, have a great party, you deserve it all, whoever goes to the World Cup, all the best. What will we do next year? Champions League!”
Champions League football draws attention
For Como, the focus now turns to a summer of preparation before his first European adventure.
Having finished ahead of giants such as Juventus and Milan, the lake minnows have proven they belong in the top table, with Fabregas at the helm to guide them through the next chapter of their remarkable story.
FIFA World Cup 2026: How to watch
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026. Spread across three countries, the tournament will culminate with the final on July 19 at the New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. All 104 matches of the tournament will be broadcast live on FOX (70) and FS1 (34) and each match will be streamed live and on-demand on both FOX One and the FOX Sports app. A record 40 matches, more than a third of the tournament, will be broadcast in prime time on FOX (21) and FS1 (19).
The June 11 opening match between Mexico and South Africa (3 p.m. ET) will be streamed for free on Tubi, as will the United States’ opening match against Paraguay on June 12 (9 p.m. ET).
