Legendary Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger, has admitted he never expected Cesc Fabregas to enjoy “such rapid success” as a manager.
Fabregas retired from playing in July 2023 having won the Premier League, FA Cup and LaLiga titles, as well as the 2010 World Cup during his career.
He immediately began working as head coach of Como’s U-19 side, as he had already obtained his coaching badges.
Fabregas was eventually promoted to become the head coach of the first team after Moreno Longo was sacked in November 2023, initially on an interim basis.
But Fabregas made an immediate impression and was named as Osian Roberts’ assistant before taking charge permanently last August, subsequently leading the club into Serie A for the first time in over two decades.
Many observers had expected Como to battle relegation in the Italian top flight, but they ended up in 10th place, two places below AC Milan.
“The truth is, I didn’t expect such rapid success, but I do believe Fabregas will be a great coach in the future,’ Wenger told Marca.
“Sometimes, when you go so quickly from playing to coaching, it’s difficult to adapt, and he’s done it very quickly.
“He’s invited me to come to Como to see him. At some point I’ll honour that invitation.”