Fabregas: ‘I don’t remember the trophies I won as a footballer’

Cesc Fabregas admits he doesn’t remember the trophies he won as a footballer and reveals he had promised a ‘surprise’ to Como players if they had won the game with a set-piece goal.

Como beat Sassuolo 2-0 in the opening game of Serie A Week 13 on Friday, jumping to 24 points alongside Inter, Napoli and Bologna in a Champions League placement.

Fabregas examined the game in a post-match interview with Sky Sport Italia: “The most important thing is the performance. Another clean sheet, the team always dominates, and there’s increasing organisation in every game. We feel well, but I hope this is just the beginning for Como. Some lads arrived just four months ago, who are still adapting to what we want to do.”

There was something, however, that didn’t quite satisfy the Spaniard.

“Honestly, we left too much space between the lines, and when we lost the ball, we tended to drop a bit too much, rather than being aggressive,” he said.

“That’s something I discussed at half-time because I didn’t like it. We left space for Sassuolo to make some counter-attacks. In the second half, we managed it in a better way.”

A reporter told Fabregas that Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany has recently claimed that trophies are important for the players and the fans, while football coaches are more focused on building their teams and improving consistently.

“I’ll tell you more. I don’t remember the trophies I won as a footballer,” Fabregas said.

“I remember the moments in the dressing room, the unity, how we helped each other and improved. Unfortunately, there’s less and less time in football to build. I’m happy to be in Como because we are doing things differently. We have patience. We know there are mistakes, we know we have highs and lows with such young players. The keyword is building.”

Fabregas delivered a speech on the pitch after the final whistle.

“Before the match, I had said that if we won with a set-piece goal, there would be a surprise,” said the Spaniard.

“Everyone was waiting for it, but I hadn’t actually planned anything. They already have two days off, maybe they’ll ask for three, but now isn’t the right moment.”

Como have only lost one game this season, collecting six wins and six draws in the opening 13 matches.