Fabregas: ‘Respect for Gasperini, Arteta strength paid off at Arsenal’
COMO, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 14: Cesc Fabregas, Manager of Como 1907, looks on during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and Parma Calcio at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on September 14, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Cesc Fabregas has ‘enormous respect’ for Roma’s Gian Piero Gasperini and recognises not every coach has the same sway he does with Como. ‘Just look at Arsenal and Mikel Arteta.’
It kicks off at the Stadio Sinigaglia on Sunday at 11.30 UK time (12.30 CEST).
Both these teams pushed out more prestigious clubs to secure Champions League spots last season, and are again in the top positions after the opening five rounds.
If Roma are struggling with the serious injury ruling goalkeeper Mile Svilar out for a month, then the Lariani have their own problems, as Kean returned from international duty with another setback.
Fabregas balancing Como ambition
“Kean will be out for at least a week to 10 days, he had a nasty knock against Belgium,” explained Fabregas in his press conference.
“I spoke to Roberto Mancini and Kean, I was told there is the possibility of using him with another centre-forward, but right now I don’t see it. Svilar has in my mind been the best goalkeeper in Serie A over the last two seasons. It changes nothing for me, but I saw with my own eyes Svilar bring many points to Roma.”
Como suffered their first defeat of the season, losing 2-0 to newly-promoted Frosinone, a side hoping to be the new Como.
“Obviously, that game made me think, but every team tries to win and there is no perfect season, sooner or later you will lose. There is a lot to do, to learn and work on, but I said that after victories and the match with Juventus too.”
The Champions League is a wholly new experience for Como, who until this season had never even been in Europe, let alone with the challenges of such big fixtures.
“When playing many games, I must do well to understand how the team is reacting, because we’ve never done this before, and I can’t just explain to them how to do it. We’ve got to get used to this as quickly as possible, with as many players as possible, so everyone will get their opportunity,” added Fabregas.
“I too wonder whether I am more worried or curious to see how we react. I want to see how it goes, also for my own experience as a coach, and only time will tell.”
Roma weren’t in the Champions League either last season, but they were at least participating in the Europa League and are a little more accustomed to this level.
“There are many elements that create debate and the media enjoys, but it is an important match against a great team and a great coach. I have great respect for how they play. Roma are a very positive and attacking team who commit men forward.
“Gian Piero Gasperini helped so many players to step up in their careers. We both like to be attacking, to use the movement, and their matches are entertaining to watch. Gasperini has been working for 30 years, so you can only admire his approach. I have enormous respect, he really does believe in what he does.”
This prompted Fabregas to consider the role of coach and how many have already been fired this season in Serie A.
“In my view, a coach must put the players on the field with faith. I do see a matter of ego in there, including with directors. How can you fire a coach after just two games? The director of sport at times feels like he ought to be a coach.
“As far as I am concerned, I feel that a coach ought to have a lot of strength, not power, over the system he plays, what type of player is required. Seeing from the outside what happens when a coach loses…
“I watched Arsenal and Mikel Arteta just renewed his contract with the club. Now you can see the results of his work, but at the start he didn’t do well, he let people criticise and talk. We’ve got to have clear ideas. Normally, but admittedly not always, the results do arrive after a few months,” insisted Fabregas.
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