Como return to Serie A business at the Sinigaglia tomorrow, with Sassuolo arriving after a European night that gave the club a historic Champions League victory over Manchester United. Cesc Fabregas has asked his side to put that occasion behind them quickly, with the league campaign demanding another measured performance and careful management of the squad.
Key takeaways
- Como host Sassuolo tomorrow at the Sinigaglia following their landmark Champions League win against Manchester United.
- Fabregas praised Sassuolo coach Alberto Aquilani for his progress and the identity of his teams.
- The Como coach dismissed any suggestion that president Mirwan Suwarso’s admiration for Aquilani could affect his own future.
- Liberali is unlikely to be available because of a minor issue, while Kean remains out and could possibly return on Tuesday.
- Fabregas said selection will be based on which players are best prepared during a demanding league-and-cup schedule.
Respect for Aquilani, clarity from Fabregas
The meeting brings together two coaches who first became acquainted during their time in Serie B. Fabregas spoke warmly of Aquilani’s work, describing the former midfielder as a coach on a steady upward path.
“I know him well and we met in Serie B,” Fabregas said. “He is doing an incredible job. He has continued to develop as a coach and his football is different and very interesting.”
Fabregas also recalled Aquilani’s earlier spell at Catanzaro, where he felt the Roman coach was already producing notable work. “He was doing very interesting things there, and I am pleased things are going well for him,” he added.
Como president Suwarso had also recently praised Aquilani, prompting questions over whether the appreciation could carry any significance for Fabregas’s position. The Spaniard rejected that interpretation firmly, insisting he has not considered leaving the club.
“If Suwarso speaks well of him, it means nothing,” Fabregas said. “I have never thought about going away. If I did, it would be the end for me, but I have great respect for Aquilani.”
Squad management becomes the next test
With domestic and European fixtures arriving in quick succession, Fabregas identified collective management as one of Como’s central challenges for the rest of the season. The Champions League result has added another important page to the club’s campaign, but it also sharpens the need to use the whole group.
“The challenge this season is to manage the entire squad,” he said. “I will always choose those I believe are most ready. We are still growing as a team and learning about one another.”
Fabregas stressed that Como must trust the depth of their squad rather than lean too heavily on a fixed group of players. “We have to believe in the whole squad,” he said.
There will nevertheless be limits to his options against Sassuolo. Liberali has a small physical problem and is not expected to feature tomorrow. Kean is also unavailable, although Fabregas left open the possibility of a return on Tuesday without offering any guarantee.
