Why Cesc Fabregas should be on Europe's managerial shortlists

Cesc Fabregas was one of the finest midfielders of his generation: he debuted for Arsenal at 16 and, by 23, had won a European Championship and a World Cup with Spain. Como sporting director Carlalberto Ludi says he is "even better as a coach" than he was as a player, and the 38-year-old is already being linked with top jobs in Europe.

Como's rise has been underpinned by the Djarum Group and a lakeside stadium on Lago di Como, but Fabregas joined in 2022 because he wanted a long-term project rather than money. "I didn't care about the money... I see a long-term future for this club," he said.

After retiring in 2023 he worked with the under-19s and B teams, then became assistant when Moreno Longo was dismissed; though nominally deputy, he was clearly calling the shots. "At Como, we basically started from zero," he added. He has built a detailed footballing philosophy, studying tactical structures and seeking "as many solutions as possible" so his teams can be dominant.

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