Fabregas on Conte, Wenger and His Coaching Philosophy at Como

"The most significant chapters are undoubtedly about Arsène, because everything felt fresh, and Conte, because he completely shocked my system. Everything was radically different." Those are the words of Cesc Fabregas — now 39 years old and 18 months into his managerial journey at Como — as he looks back on the coaches who influenced his career. You can sense the profound impact both figures had on him.

The timing of these reflections is significant. Fabregas and Conte stood on opposite touchlines last weekend as Como battled Napoli to a scoreless draw — marking their first encounter as opposing managers since their two-season partnership at Chelsea. It's a fascinating reversal: the midfielder who once received Conte's precise tactical instructions now occupies the same technical area as his former boss.

A notebook full of tactical wisdom

Fabregas began documenting coaching methodologies at age 22, just before his transfer from Arsenal to Barcelona. Every manager, every training session, every innovative concept worth remembering — all carefully recorded. Wenger filled the most pages. Conte delivered the biggest revelations.

"It was the first time a manager told me exactly where to deliver my passes," he recalled about working under the Italian tactician. It's high praise delivered with a hint of amazement. Conte's approach represented a tactical awakening — but Fabregas embraced the lessons, and Conte, in time, placed his faith in the Spanish midfielder.

What emerges most clearly from his recent comments is Fabregas's unwavering commitment to attractive football. "If my only focus as a coach is getting results, I won't do it," he told Telegraph Sport. "I'm passionate about the beautiful game." Direct play and second-ball tactics don't appeal to him. It's a stance that might draw skepticism within Italian football's ongoing debate between aesthetics (Giochisti) and results-oriented pragmatism (Risultatisti), but he's clearly aligned with the former philosophy.

Whether Como's performances validate his approach throughout an entire Serie A campaign remains the ultimate measure of his convictions. They're not title contenders, and prioritizing attractive football while fighting relegation carries inherent dangers. Their survival odds will depend heavily on his ability to convert philosophy into crucial points.

The mentor who never stopped caring

The emotional foundation of Fabregas's journey? Arsène Wenger. His former Arsenal manager — who has attended Como matches in person alongside Thierry Henry — continues to send messages after games. Following victories, defeats, and strong showings. Still invested.

"He provides me with tremendous encouragement," Fabregas acknowledged. For a rookie manager navigating Serie A at 39, that ongoing support means everything.