Cesc Fabregas says he has never considered leaving Como, despite being linked with several high-profile managerial positions since guiding the club to promotion and Champions League qualification.
The Spanish coach was speaking at his news conference on Friday, ahead of Saturday’s meeting with Sassuolo, who are managed by Alberto Aquilani. The fixture comes only three days after Como’s 4-1 Champions League victory over Manchester United.
Como president Mirwan Suwarso has recently praised Aquilani, prompting questions about whether the former midfielder could eventually succeed Fabregas.
“I have never thought about leaving,” Fabregas said, as reported by Football Italia. “If I started thinking about it, perhaps that would be the end of me here, but I have never done so.
“I can certainly say positive things about him because his football and ideas are very similar. You are making me think about it now, but I am very comfortable with his career and what he will achieve in the future.”
Fabregas has been linked with major coaching roles, including at Inter Milan and Bayer Leverkusen in 2025, but has chosen to remain in charge at Como.
The two coaches first became acquainted in Italy’s second division, when Aquilani was in charge of Pisa. Fabregas said he has great respect for his fellow manager and recalled a conversation about a former player.
“I really admire Alberto as a coach, his ideas and his courage, as well as the way his teams play football,” he said.
“He called me last summer because he really wanted to take Rispoli to Catanzaro. Rispoli was the first player I ever coached, so sending him to Alberto gave me complete peace of mind.”
Fabregas also explained why Nico Paz has remained a constant presence in his side. The Como manager said Paz’s character means he does not need repeated instructions and praised the considerable progress he has made during their time together.
“You have to know the person and what kind of boy he is,” Fabregas said. “Nico is not the type who needs constant guidance. The less you talk to him, the better, because he has an incredible mentality.
“We have been together for more than two years and he has developed enormously. He may even be among the top three defenders in the team.
“That mentality makes the difference before the competition has even started, which is why I never take him off the pitch.”
Como have continued their impressive form under Fabregas this season. They are fifth in the table with 14 points after seven rounds, five points behind leaders Inter.
