Como's remarkable rise under Cesc Fabregas continued this season as the club, promoted from Serie B in summer 2024, currently sit fifth in Serie A with five matches remaining. Como finished ninth in Serie A last season, their highest finish since 1987, according to multiple reports. The club has never before competed in European competition, but their current league position puts them in contention for a spot. However, Como have lost three consecutive matches in all competitions, including a Coppa Italia semi-final second leg defeat to Inter Milan after two late goals, according to multiple reports.
Fabregas's future at Como has become a subject of speculation. The head coach is being linked with his former clubs Barcelona and Chelsea, according to multiple reports. Fabregas made 198 appearances for Chelsea between 2014 and 2019, according to other sources. He is also a co-owner of Como, according to other sources. Como sporting director Carlalberto Ludi said he is relaxed about Fabregas's future and confident he will remain as manager for a long time. Ludi added that they are not worried about Fabregas leaving unless something extraordinary happens, according to major media reports.
Cesc is our linchpin, around whom our entire project is centred. He's a phenomenon, I've been saying it for three years now, and he's growing every month. He has an incredible desire to learn and improve, he has an ambition and a hunger like no other. We owe him a lot, I think we're aligned culturally and in terms of objectives, and I'm confident we'll continue together for a long time because just as we give so much to him, he also gives so much back to us every day.
In contrast, Como president Mirwan Suwarso struck a more open tone. Suwarso said Fabregas could one day go to Arsenal, Barcelona or Chelsea. Suwarso also said it is not a problem as long as Fabregas coaches a team outside Italy, according to other sources.
Fabregas himself has distanced himself from the Chelsea job, saying he is focused on Como. Fabregas said he thinks he will continue as Como's coach.
We've never been afraid. After that, we'll see. We cannot predict the future but we're confident in the relationship we have with Cesc and the work we do every day.
Meanwhile, Chelsea's managerial situation remains fluid. According to multiple reports, Chelsea have lost five league games in a row without scoring, a first since 1912. The club parted ways with Liam Rosenior and appointed Calum McFarlane as interim boss, according to multiple reports. Andoni Iraola, Marco Silva, and Filipe Luis are among candidates for the Chelsea job. Fabregas's name has been mentioned, but he has publicly played down the link.
Another key figure at Como is midfielder Nico Paz, whose future is also uncertain. According to major media reports, Paz has scored 17 goals and 14 assists in 68 competitive matches for Como. Real Madrid has a buy-back clause and a 50% sell-on clause for Paz, according to major media reports. Real Madrid can buy back Paz for €9 million in summer 2026 and €11 million in summer 2027, according to major media reports. Como sporting director Carlalberto Ludi said there is a big chance Paz stays for another year. Ludi also said European football would benefit Como regarding Paz's future.
I don't have to say anything, because I haven't heard anything from the president. You say that, I know nothing about it. It would be stupid to think about things that aren't important now, because this isn't important to me: the most important thing is Genoa, the next match, and we want to do everything to win. I think I'll continue as Como's coach: my experience as a player gives me peace of mind.
The uncertainty surrounding Fabregas and Paz adds intrigue to Como's push for European qualification. The club's first-ever European campaign could hinge on retaining their key figures. Whether Fabregas remains at the helm and Paz stays in midfield will likely determine whether Como can build on their remarkable ascent or face a rebuild.
There is a big chance that Nico Paz stays with us for another year.
It's always the same story, we can't control what others want. We are very happy with him and he is very happy with us. European football would benefit us. The chances of him staying are still high today, despite the World Cup being a factor.
We have spoken several times already. Right now we agree on what he wants to do and what Como wants. If nothing extraordinary happens on the transfer market that concerns him, we will continue together. We can talk about what we offer him, not what others might offer him. At the moment we are not at all worried about him leaving us.