Como 2-1 Roma – Fabregas calls out Gasperini for ‘disrespect’, delighted with ‘epic’ performance

Cesc Fabregas was riding a wave of emotion after Como’s victory over Roma, describing the performance as “epic” while taking a pointed but measured swipe at Gian Piero Gasperini for failing to shake his hand at the final whistle.

The Como head coach was effusive in his praise for his players, who he felt demonstrated exactly the identity and character he has been building since taking charge.

“It was a beautiful match and I enjoyed every moment of it,” he said, with quotes via TuttoMercatoWeb.

“You could say the victory was epic, but it cost a lot. It was a very intense game and yet from the first minute we always sought our own game. That gives enormous credit to this squad.”

Fabregas was equally clear about what underpins Como’s remarkable season. “When you build a squad you implement an idea, you study your players carefully, their character, their identity. Learning to handle the result and the game in a certain way is a question of solidity, courage and trust. That takes months to develop, not weeks. Games like this show it is becoming natural, not forced.”

But it was his comments on Gasperini that will generate the most headlines.

Como 2-1 Roma – Fabregas slams lack of Gasperini respect

The Roma coach notably failed to seek out Fabregas for the customary post-match handshake, and the Spaniard did not shy away from addressing it directly.

“In two years I do not think there has been a single occasion where I have not gone to shake a colleague’s hand, whether I have lost, been sent off, been angry or been happy,” he said. “I think it is a question of respect. When the match ends you go and shake hands, even if you have been beaten in circumstances you feel were unjust. When he left without doing so, it saddened me a little, but then I thought it was nothing.”

He added that he had moved towards the tunnel believing Gasperini was heading that way, and was careful not to escalate the situation further.

“I can only speak about my own experience, I simply went to say hello.”

With nine league games remaining plus the Coppa Italia, Fabregas was keen to keep feet firmly on the ground despite Como sitting fourth. “We must maintain humility, naturalness and keep working. We go step by step.”