Cesc Fabregas says Como’s 4-1 Champions League victory over Manchester United was a “convincing” step in establishing the club’s identity – but admits he regrets telling his players to ease off in the closing stages.
Como were four goals ahead against Michael Carrick’s side on Wednesday when Fabregas instructed his players to conserve their energy ahead of Saturday’s Serie A meeting with Sassuolo, according to the British newspaper the Daily Mail.
Manchester United substitute Joshua Zirkzee scored a late consolation, and Fabregas said he was frustrated that Como had not maintained the intensity that could have produced an even more emphatic result.
“I regret the final 10 minutes because I was the one who asked the team to slow the game down as there was another match coming,” said the former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder.
“When it was 4-0, we could control things a little. I asked the players to stop running and stay in the middle, and that is what I regret because I was the first person urging them to fight until the end.
“Their goal hurt me because we dropped our enthusiasm and our defending, but the mistake was mine.”
Despite the late setback, Fabregas was delighted with the way Como performed for most of the match, particularly their approach without the ball.
“I am extremely happy with the way the players applied everything we had worked on,” he said. “Not only in terms of the quality, which was very high, but also in the way we pressed relentlessly until the 85th minute.”
Fabregas said the result reflected the culture and style Como are attempting to build.
“We are trying to create a culture at the club, a style of play and an identity,” he added. “Tonight was another convincing moment for us.”
The former Spain international also acknowledged the significance of defeating Manchester United, given the history of the English club and the difficulties it has faced over the years.
“I cannot lie to you and say that beating Manchester United was not a source of pride,” Fabregas said. “We know the history of our club and how much it has struggled over the years.
“It is obvious that I hope all the boys and girls wear a Como shirt to school tomorrow. I feel proud.”
Fabregas urged his players to make the most of their careers, reminding them that their time in football passes quickly.
“I always tell the young players: enjoy yourselves, fight and do everything you can to create the best possible career for each of you, because it goes by quickly,” he said.
He added that his greatest satisfaction came not simply from the scoreline, but from the manner of the performance.
“They made me enjoy tonight, but not so much because of the win as because of the result and the way they played,” Fabregas said. “They played the way I like my team to play: with belief, quality, a clear mind, aggression and fierce pressing.”
