Como coach Fabregas insists ‘Man City don’t build up from the back’ & provides selection update | OneFootball

Cesc Fabregas held his pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday’s crucial Serie A clash with Roma, and the Como head coach was in characteristically thoughtful and candid mood, touching on tactical philosophy, squad selection and the remarkable position his side find themselves in with ten games remaining.

Como head into the weekend sitting fourth in Serie A, and the significance of that is not lost on anyone, except, apparently, Fabregas himself.

When asked whether he thinks about his side’s Champions League position, his response was characteristically grounded, with quotes via TuttoMercatoWeb.

“If we get there, great, if we don’t, we continue to build. I would get angry if my players talked about Champions League right now. Not because of the subject itself, but because it’s not the moment. If it doesn’t happen, what are we, failures?”

MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 18: Cesc Fabregas, Head Coach of Como 1907, looks on prior to the Serie A match between AC Milan and Como 1907 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on February 18, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Fabregas: ‘Roma improved more than anyone in January’

On Roma, Fabregas was respectful but confident.

“They had an extraordinary transfer window, they have raised their level more than anyone. We need the perfect game,” he said.

“Like when we won at Napoli or against Juventus. We must play our way, and then the pitch will speak.”

He dismissed the suggestion that the match was a must-win, describing it simply as “one more important game” rather than a defining moment.

Tactically, Fabregas offered an interesting insight into how he views Nico Paz‘s development.

Asked about potentially deploying the Argentine in a deeper midfield role, the Como coach was firm.

“Not yet. He is a trequartista, instinctive. In a deep role you need a specific way of reading the game, of analysing situations. That is not Nico yet. He is not Perrone or Baturina.”

He was equally direct when asked about Sergi Roberto potentially replacing the injured Perrone, using an unexpected reference point to make his point.

“You think Guardiola’s Manchester City always build from the back? They don’t. Sometimes the opponent presses you, sometimes you don’t have a Busquets or a Piqué. When a coach doesn’t trust his first phase, you must work hard and build that trust instead.”

Perrone himself trained individually and is expected to rejoin the group on Saturday, with his availability for Sunday still to be confirmed.