Fabregas on finally becoming a real coach, how Vieira changed and Como pressure | OneFootball

Cesc Fabregas is ‘emotional’ about getting his coaching badges with Como, explains how Patrick Vieira ‘has changed’ over the years, and warns not to put pressure on Martin Baturina.

It kicks off at the Stadio Sinigaglia on Monday at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).

It was an important week for Fabregas, who finally got his coaching badges for Serie A after several delays and permission slips.

“Finally I can be called the head coach. I am genuinely emotional about it, because at times you take things for granted, but this moment does make me very proud,” said the Spaniard in his press conference.

“I’ve been working really hard for four and a half years, trying to discover how to improve as a coach after having been a player, wondering if I am on the right track, comparing myself to others. When they tell you that you passed the test and are a real coach, it’s special, above all to do it in Italy, a country that has given me so much already.”

Fabregas glad to reunite with Vieira

Patrick Vieira and Francesc Fabregas of Arsenal look dejected as Manchester win 2-4 in the Barclays Premiership match between Arsenal and Manchester United at Highbury on February 1, 2005 in London, England. (Photo by Ben Radford/Getty Images)

Another former Arsenal player and now coach in Serie A is Vieira, who is at the helm of Monday’s opponents Genoa.

“Patrick is a reference point for me as a person, a player, and now a coach,” explained Fabregas.

“He has changed a bit, as before he had zonal defending, playing out from the back, but now he is more direct and goes for attacking solutions. Genoa are strong and defend well, they are to be respected.”

This has been a mixed start to the season for Como, who shocked Lazio 2-0 in the opening round, then lost 1-0 away to Bologna.

Assane Diao, Ignace van der Brempt and Alberto Dossena are out injured, but Addai and Kuhn are available again and the coach hinted at least one will likely be in the starting XI.

COMO, ITALY – JULY 18: Head coach Como Cesc Fabregas reacts during the friendly match between Como and Lille at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on July 18, 2025 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)

However, Fabregas is eager to take some of the heat off questions about big summer signing Martin Baturina.

“There is too much pressure on him, he is only 22 years old, there will be plenty of room for him,” assured the coach.

“He is coming from a different style of football, with a different level of intensity. Sometimes when you try to force things, it is worse.

“I hear people say he cost €17m and they act like he’s Diego Maradona. Calm down. Everyone needs their own time to adapt. I believe in him a great deal, but he knows there is a lot of competition for places and he’ll prove that he deserves to play when the time is right.”

Alvaro Morata and Tasos Douvikas are back from international duty, even though neither of them really got to play much.

“Sometimes it can help if you’re disappointed and want to prove yourself. With Morata, it might’ve been better if he had stayed here to focus on training, but he’s accustomed to this kind of schedule.”