Como’s European visit to Feyenoord arrives at a moment when Cesc Fàbregas can look beyond immediate selection concerns and towards the wider progress of his young side. The coach struck a calm note before the Champions League fixture in Rotterdam, with his squad largely restored after the Serie A meeting with Roma and the club matching its best-ever start to a top-flight campaign.
Key takeaways
- Como have a near-full squad available for the trip to Feyenoord, with Kean the only confirmed absentee through injury.
- Jesus Rodríguez has recovered from a slight fever and is expected to be involved after training well.
- Fàbregas praised Eredivisie leaders Feyenoord for their attacking approach and desire to control matches.
- Addai has returned from injury, giving Como another promising option as he builds match fitness.
- Como have equalled the strongest Serie A opening in the club’s history.
A European test in Rotterdam
Fàbregas said his players had come through the Roma match without fresh problems. “The group is well and has recovered completely,” he explained. “Everyone will be available tomorrow apart from Kean, who is still injured.”
There was also encouraging news over Jesús Rodríguez. The forward had been affected by a fever, but showed positive signs in the final training session and is set to travel with the side.
Como expect a demanding evening against a Feyenoord team sitting first in the Dutch league. Fàbregas has studied several of their domestic fixtures and was impressed by both their attacking intentions and their willingness to dictate play.
For the Spaniard, European preparation can be more straightforward than planning a Serie A weekend. He sees continental opponents as more likely to retain a recognisable identity, whereas Italian matches can change sharply depending on the rival and the particular demands of the occasion.
“In Europe, you often meet teams with a clear identity and a defined way of playing,” he said. “In Italy there are many more variations, depending on the opponent. I expect a very good match against a side that attacks and likes to dominate.”
Recovery and league perspective
Fàbregas also highlighted Addai’s return as an important development for the group. The player had been making steady progress before his injury, and the coach was particularly pleased by the way he handled a difficult spell away from the pitch.
“He is a very promising player with great potential,” Fàbregas said. “His response after such a serious setback surprised me in a positive way. He dealt with a terrible period with real positivity. Now he needs to keep playing, because he can help the team a great deal.”
Yet the European occasion has not altered Como’s broader view of their season. Fàbregas remains satisfied with their league position after an opening sequence that has matched the finest start Como have previously managed in Serie A.
He stressed, however, that the club’s rise still requires patience. Como returned to the top division only three years ago, and Fàbregas considers the squad a young one still learning how to grow through the pressures of a long championship. Rotterdam offers another test of that development, but the league story remains at the centre of his plans.
