Fabregas proud of Como: ‘I prefer to lose 4-0 to Inter than defend’

Cesc Fabregas insists he ‘didn’t see such a big footballing difference’ between Como and Inter in the 4-0 defeat. ‘I prefer to lose like this than defend with a 5-4-1 formation.’

The Lariani had been one of the form teams in the league, with the best defence in the entire division, never conceding more than one goal per game.

While they were known for their intensity, it was Inter who came out all guns blazing to take the early lead through Lautaro Martinez, then Marcus Thuram, Hakan Calhanoglu and Carlos Augusto rounded out the 4-0 scoreline.

“The most difficult thing for me right now is analysing a very heavy 4-0 result,” Fabregas told DAZN Italia.

“It is honestly tough to explain this, people might not like me saying it, but I didn’t see such a big footballing difference between the two teams this evening. What I saw was a world class attack.”

Considering Inter also have a strong pressing game, did Fabregas think about changing Como’s approach at San Siro?

“I did think about it, but my head said no. I am pleased with this, to be honest. It might make me seem stupid or like a loser,” continued the Spaniard.

“I do feel that there was growth from my team today, which doesn’t happen when you win and people call you a genius. After a heavy defeat, you learn more, you appreciate everything a little bit better.

“Don’t forget, Como picked up 60 points in the last 38 Serie A rounds, that’s impressive! Como are doing things the right way, we lost against a very strong opponent today.

“You can then approach a game defending with a 6-3-1 formation, or 5-4-1, but I prefer to lose even with this deserved result than do that.”

It was when Como had their best scoring opportunities, largely wasted by Tasos Douvikas and Alex Valle, that Inter struck for 2-0.

“During our best spell of the game, when it felt like we could score, the second goal was just embarrassing for us,” continued Fabregas.

“After the third goal, we gave up, which is normal when you are dealing with such a young squad as this.”

Como had been unbeaten in 11 Serie A rounds and only three points adrift of Inter going into this weekend, but their ambitions took a hit with this humiliating result at San Siro.

Nonetheless, Fabregas has no intention of changing his general philosophy.

“Inter had three scoring opportunities in the first 20 minutes, but not because our pressing was bad, it was because of long balls. We recovered the ball many times, playing with character and taking the game to them.

“If you go and press high against the Barcelona with Xavi, Iniesta and Messi, you’re doing the same thing, but against some very, very strong opponents. They can break the first press, it’s what I warned yesterday.

“What we need to do is learn to deal with the frustration when you are in that situation. I was close on the touchline to Bastoni and Dimarco, they know the movements off by heart, and as a coach I am learning so much.”

Fabregas revealed he will be back at San Siro soon to watch Inter take on Liverpool in the Champions League.

“It is a heavy defeat and a deserved one, because Inter are a very strong team, and I will be here to watch them play Liverpool so that I can continue to learn. We keep going with heads held high.”