Fabregas: ‘Only 25 per cent there in Como project’ | OneFootball

Cesc Fabregas warns Como are ‘only 25 per cent there in the project’ and must ‘get our feet back on the ground’ with a relegation battle against Monza.

It kicks off at the U-Power Stadium on Saturday at 14.00 UK time (13.00 GMT).

The Lariani are seven points clear of the relegation zone, while Monza sit rock bottom and are practically doomed to the drop at this stage.

However, the coach is not taking anything for granted ahead of this trip.

“Many teams have struggled against Monza, as Alessandro Nesta’s side play good football and much like us, they have fewer points than they would deserve,” said Fabregas in his press conference.

“Keita Balde is a friend and is doing very well there. We need to understand the right moment to attack and how to deal with it when we lose the ball. In order to stay in Serie A, you don’t have to win every game, but if you are not winning at the 88th minute, you must at least avoid defeat.”

Fabregas wants more from ambitious Como

epa11791481 Como’s head coach Cesc Fabregas gestures during the Italian Serie A soccer match between Inter and Como at Giuseppe Meazza stadium in Milan, Italy, 23 December 2024. EPA-EFE/MATTEO BAZZI

Como were promoted from Serie B last summer along with Parma and Venezia, but have significantly bigger investments in the transfer market, coupled with the ambition of their rich owners.

“We have improved, but there is a long way to go yet. I’d say we are only 25 per cent there in the Como project, but first of all we need to secure our Serie A safety,” continued Fabregas.

“After that, we must realise that the expectations are going to go up and we must adapt to the various opponents in the league. There is no comparison with Serie B, there is so much more quality here, whereas last season we could afford to run more risks.”

The coach was very critical of his players following the draw with Empoli last week, insisting some ‘thought they were playing for Bayern Munich,’ so how has he prepared them for this trip to Monza?

“We’ve got to get our feet back on the ground. We watched back some video to see what mistakes not to repeat. I have to be very clear in the locker room.”

Nico Paz and Dele Alli return from suspension to bolster the squad, but Alberto Dossena is out for the rest of the season with a torn anterior cruciate ligament.

Ignace van der Brempt and Ivan Azon are also not fully fit, but Sergi Roberto got his first start in some time with Empoli.