Fabregas: 'Champions League an unexpected gift, Liberali has fire in his eyes'
Quick summary
Como coach Cesc Fabregas expressed pride at reaching the Champions League, calling it an unexpected gift, and praised young player Liberali for his mentality.
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Attributed to original sourceCesc Fabregas says that Serie A and the Coppa Italia remain the priority for Como this season and that their qualification to this season’s Champions League was an ‘unexpected gift’ ahead of the team’s season opener against Udinese on Saturday afternoon.
Como, who finished fourth in Serie A last season, get their 2026-27 league campaign underway with a visit to Udine to take on Udinese at 17.30 BST on Saturday evening.
You can follow the action as it unfolds on the Football Italia Liveblog.
Fabregas previes Como’s 2026-27 season: ‘Liberali gives me confidence’ LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – AUGUST 16: Cesc Fabregas, Manager of Como Calcio, reacts during the pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Como Calcio at Anfield on August 16, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images) Despite their top four finish just a few months ago, Fabregas insists that his side must start afresh against Udinese. He also played down the expectations from his side in Europe this season, insisting that the Champions League came as a gift to his side.
“We are very happy to get started, but every season starts from scratch,” Fabregas told DAZN Italia ahead of kick-off against Udinese.
“We are adding a few extra games in the Champions League, but Serie A and the Coppa Italia are the most important things. The Champions League is an unexpected gift for a side that was in Serie B until two years ago.
“None of us have been in Europe, let alone the Champions League, so playing three times a week is a new experience, we need to keep seeking fresh motivation and energy.
“We cannot forget that this club started from scratch just a few years ago, and we are trying to build a strong identity that can remain after 5, 10, 15, 20 years.
“For example, some teams did really well one year, then two or three seasons later are in Serie B. I don’t want that. I want to build solid foundations here at Como.”
Fabregas was also asked for his thoughts on the signing of Italian talent Mattia Liberali, who was brought in at a cost of €6m this summer, rejecting the opportunity to return to his former club, Milan in the process. He is named amongst the substitutes against Udinese.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – AUGUST 16: Mattia Liberali of Como Calcio runs with the ball during the pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Como Calcio at Anfield on August 16, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images) “He is a player I really believe in,” Fabregas promised. “He’s Italian, talented, so we can also help the country to improve its talents. We are trying to build our youth academy too.
“Liberali had a great pre-season, made his mark at the Emirates and Anfield, he’s only 19, but you can see some players are ready, they have that fire in their eyes. Others might be less mature and need time, but he gives me confidence.”
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What happened
Como head coach Cesc Fabregas spoke to the media ahead of the club's historic Champions League campaign, describing the competition as an 'unexpected gift' for a club of Como's size. Fabregas also singled out young talent Liberali, saying the player has 'fire in his eyes' and highlighting his strong mentality. The comments underscore Como's emergence as a surprise package in Italian and European football, with Fabregas continuing to develop young players within a squad that has exceeded expectations.
Chance analysis
Como's qualification for the Champions League is one of the most remarkable stories in recent European football, and Fabregas's framing of it as an 'unexpected gift' captures the scale of the achievement for a club recently promoted from Serie B. His emphasis on youth development — spotlighting Liberali — signals a long-term project rather than a one-off European adventure, and suggests Como will lean on emerging talent as they navigate the demands of top-tier continental competition.
Como's Champions League participation boosts the club's profile and provides development opportunities for young players like Liberali under Fabregas's management.