Fabregas: ‘Como unprecedented, Nico Paz like Kaka, Mourinho and Conte taught me’

Fabregas: ‘Como unprecedented, Nico Paz like Kaka, Mourinho and Conte taught me’ Como coach Cesc Fabregas compares Nico Paz to Milan legend Kaka, explains why he wasn’t tempted by Inter, Napoli or Roma, and notes how Antonio Conte and Jose Mourinho influenced him. The Spaniard spoke to La Gazzetta dello Sport’s magazine after taking Como from Serie B to Champions League football in the space of three years. Some have pointed to the vast investment of the team’s Indonesian owners as perhaps a bigger reason for their ascent than the sheer talent of their coach. Fabregas spearheaded Como transformation CAGLIARI, ITALY – MARCH 07: the coach of Como Cesc Fabregas look on during the Serie A match between Cagliari Calcio and Como 1907 at Stadio Sant’Elia on March 07, 2026 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images) “It’s true Como spent money, but the growth of the club has been at a frankly unprecedented pace,” replied Fabregas. “Paris Saint-Germain spent hundreds of millions and waited 15 years before winning the Champions League, while Arsenal had to wait seven years to win the Premier League. I don’t look at the money spent, so much as getting the best out of the squad and individuals. “It’s also fair to say our salary bill is not enormous, there are eight or nine teams in the league with higher wages than us.” MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 18: Cesc Fabregas, Head Coach of Como 1907, reacts during 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) Nonetheless, Fabregas was reportedly approached by the likes of Inter, Milan, Napoli and Roma over the last 12 months to sound out his availability. “When I make a decision, I do not change it, so I was never likely to leave Como. I was very clear with my President, I listen to others as a sign of respect, because it also allows me to explain my reasons.” Among the investments made by Como was buying the remaining 50 per cent of Nico Paz from Real Madrid, even if the Merengues retain a buy-back clause. “Nico Paz has everything, physique and quality,” noted Fabregas. “When I talk to him, I try to understand how eager he is to get to the top. If I turn towards him and he looks the other way, then that’s the moment to let him go. Nico has extraordinary courage, vision and ambition. He is 21 years old, but it feels like he’s been playing for a decade. “Like with all young players, you need to keep pushing him, to help develop the person as well as the player. That’s how you create a player who can fit in at Juventus, Inter or Real Madrid.” COMO, ITALY – OCTOBER 19: Como 1907 coach Cesc Fabregas and Nico Paz of Como 1907celebrate the victory at the end of the Serie A match between Como 1907 and Juventus FC at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on October 19, 2025 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images) Some have tried to compare Nico Paz to Milan legend Ricky Kaka, but Fabregas sees some differences too. “Kaka was a little more explosive. He had this surge forward that, like Andres Iniesta, was unstoppable. When he started, you couldn’t get him back. Nico is a little more physical, more positional, more static, but he knows how to use his body in a different way to others. “He’s got the goal in his mind, a great final pass, has started to understand the game a lot better. He is a talent.” When it comes to the best player in Serie A, Fabregas chooses Inter captain and Capocannoniere Lautaro Martinez as “the peak” of Calcio right now. The Como coach was of course a player in his own right and therefore learned a lot from those he worked with. “Mourinho played with my mind, he would do something with me knowing full well it wouldn’t work with the others. He’s so intelligent. Conte too is a coach who won’t let anyone take anything for granted, every player is treated the same way. He has a strong vision.”