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Cesc Fabregas has heaped praise on his Como players, describing them as the best group he will ever manage after the club secured historic Champions League qualification.
The former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder led the team to a top-four finish in Serie A, completing a remarkable ascent from the second tier to Europe’s elite competition in just two years.
A historic night in Serie A
The lakeside club achieved the unthinkable on the final day of the Serie A season, leapfrogging AC Milan into fourth place to secure their Champions League debut.
A commanding 4-1 win away to Cremonese, combined with the Rossoneri slumping to a home defeat against Cagliari, sparked wild celebrations among the traveling supporters and staff.
In a season where they also reached the Coppa Italia semi-finals, Fabregas has transformed the club’s identity.
Capitalizing on the dramatic results on the final day, Como secured the fourth and final place in the Champions League, marking only the second time in their history that they have qualified for a European tournament.
Fabregas pays tribute to his team
In keeping with his tradition of post-match tributes, the Spanish coach gathered his players on the pitch at the Stadio Giovanni Zini to deliver an emotional farewell to the campaign.
Fabregas was clearly moved as he addressed the team that has defied expectations all season to compete with Italy’s traditional powerhouses.
“The last circle of the season,” Fabregas told his team. “I told you the day before Parma, we win the two games we are in the Champions League. I don’t know why I told you, I had a feeling, I always get my answers by feeling.”
“But guys, this is all up to you. It’s all thanks to each and every one of you. We’re trying to help you, we’re trying to give you certain solutions, but you’re the reason this is so beautiful. I thank you for my whole life. My whole life, because this would probably be the best group I’ll ever coach in my future.”
Unforgettable memories for the newcomers
Not so long ago, Como were competing in Serie B, but a relentless attacking philosophy under Fabregas saw them finish the campaign as the second highest scorers in the league, only behind champions Inter.
Their final tally of 20 wins and 65 goals underlined their status as a genuine force in Italian football.
Fabregas emphasized the lasting legacy his players had created with their performances this term.
He continued: “I have no doubt that you will be remembered forever. Now we can say that and more. And I want to see you, enjoy a good holiday, enjoy a great party, you deserve everything, whoever goes to the World Cup, all the best. What will we do next year? Champions League!.”
Champions League football beckons
For Como, the focus now turns to a summer of preparation ahead of their first ever European adventure.
Having finished off giants Juventus and Milan, the lakeside minnows have proven they belong in the top table, with Fabregas at the helm to guide them through the next chapter in their remarkable history.
2026 FIFA World Cup: How to watch
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will run from June 11 to July 19, 2026. Spread over three countries, the tournament will culminate with the final on July 19 at the New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. All 104 tournament games will be broadcast live across FOX (70) and FS1 (34) with every game streaming live and on-demand on both FOX One and the FOX Sports app. A record 40 games, more than a third of the tournament, are televised in prime time across FOX (21) and FS1 (19).
The June 11 opener between Mexico and South Africa (3 p.m. ET) will stream for free on Tubi, as will the USA’s June 12 opener against Paraguay (9 p.m. ET).
