Cesc Fabregas Explains Como Selection: Nico Paz Benched Days After Heroics vs Manchester United

FolioPitch.com – 24 October 2026 | Cesc Fabregas explains Como selection as Nico Paz drops to the bench for Saturday’s Serie A clash with Sassuolo, just days after the young Argentine produced a match-winning display against Manchester United in the Champions League. The decision raised eyebrows among supporters, but the Como coach insisted it was part of a broader plan to manage a demanding run of fixtures and to give opportunities to a squad he believes is deep enough to compete on multiple fronts.

Speaking to DAZN before kick-off at the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia, Fabregas confirmed he had made four changes from Wednesday’s 4-1 rout of United, handing first starts for the club to Samuele Ricci and Willy Kambwala. Paz, who scored twice and set up another goal in that European victory — a performance that prompted former Spain boss Roberto Martínez to compare him to Diego Maradona — was named among the substitutes. As Fabregas explains Como selection as Nico Paz drops to the bench, the emphasis was on freshness and tactical balance rather than punishment.

“I’m feeling good, I’m fired up and full of energy, and I think these are the games that test our season,” Fabregas said. “When we beat Cremonese last season, I knew that was our test. After a special Champions League night, I have to be the first one to be positive. I see the lads the same way, so let’s start the game with energy.”

The former Arsenal and Barcelona midfielder stressed that the emotional high of beating United could not be allowed to bleed into a league fixture that carries just as much weight in Como’s season. With the club sitting fifth in Serie A on 14 points, Fabregas is eager to protect his squad from the physical and mental toll of a congested calendar. Fabregas explains Como selection as Nico Paz drops to the bench by pointing to the need to rotate without losing identity — a balancing act that will define Como’s campaign.

Lucas Da Cunha keeps his place on the right after impressing against United, while Maxence Caqueret moves into the No 10 role in place of Paz. “We’ll see if it’s Da Cunha out there. We were playing with five midfielders,” Fabregas explained. “Lucas is a great player who understands what the game requires, the space, the timing. He did well the other day.”

The Como coach also highlighted the versatility at his disposal, noting that Caqueret, Martin and Ricci have all played in wider or advanced roles. “We have other solutions. Caqueret has played wide, Martin has played wide, Ricci too. But the important thing is reading the game.” That flexibility is central to how Fabregas explains Como selection as Nico Paz drops to the bench — the decision is less about dropping a star and more about trusting the collective.

Paz’s heroics against United had made him the talk of Italian football, with Martínez’s Maradona comparison adding to the hype surrounding the 21-year-old. Yet Fabregas, who knows better than most the weight of such expectations, appears determined to shield his young playmaker from burnout. The Como boss has repeatedly spoken about managing minutes carefully, particularly for players who carry the creative burden. Fabregas explains Como selection as Nico Paz drops to the bench in that context: a calculated call designed to keep Paz sharp for the weeks ahead rather than a reaction to any dip in form.

Como’s start to the season has been impressive, and the win over Manchester United underlined their ambition. But Fabregas is aware that Serie A’s grind demands a different kind of resilience. The first starts for Ricci and Kambwala signal that he is willing to spread responsibility across the squad, giving new arrivals a chance to prove themselves in a competitive environment. The message is clear: no one player, not even a match-winner against United, is bigger than the team’s long-term goals.

As the teams emerged at the Sinigaglia, the focus was on whether Como could maintain their momentum without their in-form Argentine. Fabregas’s pre-match comments suggested confidence rather than concern. “After a special Champions League night, I have to be the first one to be positive,” he said, reinforcing the idea that his rotation is a sign of strength, not weakness. Once again, Fabregas explains Como selection as Nico Paz drops to the bench with a calm assurance that suggests he has a clear plan for the season.

In conclusion, Cesc Fabregas’s decision to bench Nico Paz for the visit of Sassuolo is a calculated move from a coach who understands the demands of competing on multiple fronts. While Paz’s performance against Manchester United will live long in the memory, the Como boss is focused on the bigger picture — protecting his players, rewarding squad depth, and maintaining the momentum that has lifted the club to fifth in Serie A. Whether the gamble pays off will be judged over the coming weeks, but Fabregas’s explanation offers a window into a modern coaching philosophy built on rotation, trust and tactical adaptability.