Como Boss Cesc Fabregas Praises Players After Securing Champions League Spot

Cesc Fabregas has heaped praise on his Como players, describing them as the best group he will ever manage, after the club secured a historic Champions League qualification. 

The former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder led the side to a top-four finish in Serie A, completing a remarkable ascent from the second tier to Europe's elite competition in just two years.

The lakeside club achieved the unthinkable on the final day of the Serie A season, leapfrogging AC Milan into fourth place to secure their debut in the Champions League. 

A commanding 4-1 victory away at Cremonese, combined with the Rossoneri falling to a home defeat against Cagliari, sparked wild celebrations among the traveling supporters and staff.

In a season where they also reached the Coppa Italia semi-finals, Fabregas has transformed the club’s identity. 

Taking full advantage of the dramatic final-day results, Como secured the fourth and final Champions League spot, marking only the second time in their history they have qualified for any European tournament.

Following his tradition of post-match huddles, the Spanish coach gathered his players on the pitch at the Stadio Giovanni Zini to deliver an emotional farewell to the campaign. 

Fabregas was visibly moved as he addressed the squad that has defied expectations throughout the season to compete with Italy's traditional powerhouses.

"The last circle of the season," Fabregas told his squad. "I told youF the day before Parma, we win the two games, we are in the Champions League. I don’t know why I told you, I had a feeling, I always get my responses by feeling."

"But guys, this is all up to you. It’s all thanks to every one of you. We try to help you, we try to give you certain solutions, but you are the reason that this is so beautiful. I thank you for all my life. All my life, because this would be probably the best group I will ever coach in my future."

Not long ago, Como were competing in Serie B, but a relentless attacking philosophy under Fabregas saw them finish the campaign as the second-highest scorers in the league, trailing only champions Inter. 

Their final tally of 20 wins and 65 goals underlined their status as a genuine force in Italian football.

Fabregas emphasized the lasting legacy his players had created with their achievements this term. 

He continued: "I have no doubt you will be remembered forever. Now we can say that and more. And I’ll see you guys, enjoy a good holidays, enjoy a big party, you deserve everything, whoever goes to the World Cup, all the best. What are we doing next year? Champions League!."

For Como, the focus now turns to a summer of preparation ahead of their first-ever European adventure. 

Having finished ahead of giants like Juventus and Milan, the lakeside minnows have proven they belong at the top table, with Fabregas at the helm to guide them through the next chapter of their remarkable story.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will run from June 11–July 19, 2026. Spread across three countries, the tournament will culminate with the final on July 19 at New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. All 104 tournament matches will air live across FOX (70) and FS1 (34) with every match streaming live and on-demand within both the FOX One and the FOX Sports app. A record 40 matches, more than one-third of the tournament, will air in prime time across FOX (21) and FS1 (19).

The opening match on June 11 between Mexico and South Africa (3 p.m. ET) will stream for free on Tubi, as well as the USA's opening match against Paraguay on June 12 (9 p.m. ET).