Fabregas: Como Continue to Learn as Champions League Proves Tougher Than World Cup

FolioPitch.com – 15 October 2026 | Cesc Fabregas has insisted that Fabregas Como continue to learn the Champions League is tougher than the World Cup after his side suffered their first-ever defeat in Europe’s elite club competition, a 3-2 loss away to Feyenoord in Rotterdam. The Spanish coach watched his team take an early lead through Assane Diao but ultimately fall short against the Dutch giants, and he was candid in his assessment of the challenge his players now face.

“This is constant growth, it’s our first European away game. We continue to learn,” Fabregas told Sky Sport Italia. “We have to manage three competitions and maybe I got some choices wrong. The problem was conceding the 1-1 straight away. In the last 30 minutes we dominated, but they deserved to win.”

Como had made a dream start to their Champions League campaign, thrashing RB Leipzig 4-1 on their debut. But the trip to De Kuip proved a stark reminder of the demands of European football. Diao’s 18th-minute strike was cancelled out two minutes later by Gjivai Zechiel, and further goals from Anis Hadj Moussa and a Robert Sánchez own goal put Feyenoord in control before Tasos Douvikas pulled one back in stoppage time.

Fabregas was quick to highlight the gulf in experience between domestic and continental competition. “The Champions League is the strongest competition. There’s a higher level here than at a World Cup,” he said. “Yesterday Bayern suffered with their first-choice players, Barcelona too… it’s very hard to go away in the Champions League, but I’m calm.”

The former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder also provided an update on Diao, who was forced off after 23 minutes with a muscular problem, possibly sustained while scoring. “Diao felt he couldn’t run anymore, we have to assess how he is. We hope we caught it in time,” Fabregas explained. “He’s an important player, you could see that today in the way we played and in the goal. The Champions League is a gift from our last season.”

Asked why some players who find it easier to escape the press in Serie A struggled on the European stage, Fabregas reiterated his belief that Fabregas Como continue to learn the Champions League is tougher than the World Cup. “It’s a gift for this club and I’ll keep saying it. We’ll get there step by step, we have a path to follow. We need to keep cool heads and be consistent.”

Despite the defeat, Fabregas remains optimistic about his team’s journey. He acknowledged that playing at home and away are “two different worlds” and that Feyenoord, accustomed to winning, were ultimately the stronger side. Yet he took heart from the moments his team dominated and the experience gained from their first European away trip.

Como’s next fixtures will test their ability to balance domestic and European commitments, but Fabregas is determined to keep his squad grounded. “We have to manage three competitions,” he noted, hinting at the rotation challenges that come with a small squad. The injury to Diao, following the absence of Moise Kean, adds to his concerns, but the coach remains focused on the bigger picture.

As the season progresses, the Italian club will continue to adapt to the rigours of the Champions League. For Fabregas, the message is clear: Fabregas Como continue to learn the Champions League is tougher than the World Cup, and every match is a lesson. With a calm head and a clear path, he believes Como can grow into a competitive force on the European stage.

In conclusion, while the defeat to Feyenoord was a setback, it was also a valuable learning experience for Como and their ambitious coach. The Champions League remains the ultimate test, and Fabregas is embracing the challenge with humility and determination.