

FolioPitch.com – 22 October 2026 | Cesc Fabregas was beaming with pride after Como’s stunning 4-1 Champions League victory over Manchester United, and the Spanish coach made it clear that Fabregas Winning this way is very satisfying doesn t matter if United are struggling. The result marked a historic night for the Italian club, who dominated the Premier League giants at the Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on Wednesday evening.
Como put on a masterclass, led by the magnificent Nico Paz, who scored twice and provided an assist for Tasos Douvikas. Jacobo Ramon and Joshua Zirkzee also found the net in the second half to complete the rout. The Argentine playmaker was given a free role behind Douvikas, a tactical decision Fabregas credits to his own experiences under Pep Guardiola at Barcelona.
“It’s a special night, but we are still at the beginning for everything we have in our minds,” Fabregas told Sky Sport Italia after full-time. “The team played well this evening, but we need to keep our feet on the ground and remember there is another match coming up on Saturday. I want to dedicate the win to one of our kit staff, he knows why.”
When asked whether Como can take this dominant approach against any team in Europe, Fabregas remained cautious. “I don’t know about that, it’s a bold statement. We must try to remain humble. We will always prepare and try to play our game, whether it’s against Inter in the Coppa Italia semi-final, or with Napoli and Roma in Serie A. Preparation is fundamental, but so is the belief of these lads. It is all more difficult if they don’t have that.”
The coach was quick to point out the magnitude of the achievement, especially given the youth and inexperience of his squad. “This was Manchester United we were up against tonight, it doesn’t matter if they are struggling at the moment, we must never forget that some of our players were having the third Champions League game of their entire careers. This is why the belief of these lads and their way of doing things gives me life. Fabregas Winning this way is very satisfying doesn t matter if United are struggling, but this is where it gets difficult, playing the same way on Saturday in Serie A.”
Fabregas’s journey at Como has been remarkable. He arrived as a player when the club was in Serie B, then stayed on as coach of the youth team before being almost immediately promoted to the main job. When asked if he is already looking beyond the lake for his ambitions, he emphasized the unique situation he finds himself in.
“I arrived here to end my playing career as a Como player. I had the opportunity to be the coach of their youth side, people say I have carte blanche here, but I had to earn that. Mistakes can be made, but I am fortunate to have a President and director of sport who understand me and believe in me. I am fortunate to have people who understand football. If we all trust each other, and are like a family, then good things are naturally going to follow. That is important to me.”
The victory over United was built on a foundation of possession and attacking flair, with Paz at the heart of everything. Fabregas explained how he has tried to replicate the freedom he enjoyed as a player. “When Pep Guardiola played me as a striker, I really liked that. Messi and I were given the freedom to sense where the spaces were and go find them. While others focused on positional play, we could do something extra,” he smiled.
Paz’s performance was a testament to that philosophy, as he tormented the United defense throughout. The 4-1 scoreline could have been even more emphatic, but Fabregas was keen to stress the importance of humility and focus. “Fabregas Winning this way is very satisfying doesn t matter if United are struggling,” he reiterated, “but we must keep working hard and not get carried away.”
The result leaves Como in a strong position in the Champions League league phase, and it sends a warning to the rest of Europe that the Italian side are not just here to make up the numbers. With Fabregas at the helm, they have a coach who understands what it takes to compete at the highest level, and a squad that is buying into his vision.
As Como prepare for their next Serie A fixture on Saturday, the challenge will be to maintain the same level of performance. Fabregas knows that consistency is key if they are to achieve their goals this season. “Fabregas Winning this way is very satisfying doesn t matter if United are struggling,” he said once more, “but the real test is to do it again and again.”
In conclusion, Como’s emphatic win over Manchester United is a statement of intent from a club on the rise. Under the guidance of Cesc Fabregas, they have shown that they can compete with the best, and the coach’s satisfaction is palpable. Whether United’s struggles diminish the achievement is irrelevant to Fabregas; what matters is the belief and the style of play that his team exhibited. As Como look ahead, they do so with confidence and a clear identity, driven by a coach who is living his dream and inspiring his players to reach for the stars.
Ahonui Stanford Damar somehow turned a literature degree into a career writing news—maybe because fiction and breaking news both require a healthy dose of imagination. Based in Tangerang since 2011, he balances his journalistic cyn
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