Decoding the mindset of Cesc Fàbregas, the fiery Spanish coach, and what makes every team facing Como end up 'comatose' at present.
Como, a strong Serie A team from Italy, achieved a historic victory under Spanish coach Cesc Fàbregas by thrashing Lens, a Ligue 1 club from France, 9-1 away in the UEFA Champions League, creating a new chapter in the competition’s history.
They set the record for the most goals scored by an away team in a single match in the tournament’s history, netting nine goals, and matched the highest total goals in one match, equaling Borussia Dortmund’s 8-4 win over Legia Warsaw in 2016. Overall, they have won six consecutive matches across all competitions. What makes this Como side so unstoppable right now? Here are five key principles behind Cesc Fàbregas’ approach.
1. Ruthless attacking play: Cesc Fàbregas instills a philosophy of nonstop, aggressive offensive football. Even when leading by two or three goals, he instructs his team to keep pressing and finishing chances relentlessly. Scoring nine goals in a UEFA Champions League away game reflects an attitude that rejects easing off (except in the 4-1 win over Manchester United) and focuses on decisively punishing opponent mistakes for the full 90 minutes.
2. Flexible attacking structure: Drawing from his world-class midfield experience, Fàbregas emphasizes positional flexibility. Players rotate between forward and creative roles, disrupting Lens’ defensive organization and making them difficult to anticipate. This approach clearly enabled striker Anastassios Doukas to excel, scoring a hat-trick in this match.
3. Player psychology and courage: Although Como is a newcomer to the UEFA Champions League, Fàbregas has helped the team shed fear and build confidence to face Europe’s elite without hesitation. Victories over strong teams like RB Leipzig, Manchester United, and Lens have earned nine points from their first four group matches, placing them fourth and showing the trust he has instilled in the dressing room.
4. Tailored tactical preparation: Fàbregas and his staff conducted meticulous analysis of Lens’ weaknesses, exploiting speed and precise passing into space behind fullbacks. Their quick, accurate transitions from defense to attack are a hallmark of Fàbregas’ coaching style since he began his managerial career.
5. High standards and culture of development: Fàbregas is never satisfied with just one good performance. Every match is a test. His management focuses on tactical detail and day-to-day individual improvement. Many international media praise Como’s success this season as elevating Fàbregas into the list of most sought-after young coaches by Europe’s top clubs. Perhaps in the near future, this rising Como team might become too small a stage for him. Who knows?