Although Como would not obstruct his departure, manager Cesc Fàbregas has rejected an offer from his former club, Chelsea.
Speaking ahead of a league match against Genoa, the Spaniard stated his lack of intention to leave the Italian Serie B side in the near future.
«I would be crazy to think about anything other than the next five games and leading my team to European competition for the first time in history,» Fàbregas said at a press conference, clarifying, «I assume I will remain the manager in Como.»
Following the abrupt dismissal of Liam Rosenior, who succeeded Enzo Maresca, the Blues are without a permanent manager for the end of the season. Youth coach Calum McFarlane (40) has taken over the vacant position on an interim basis. Fàbregas, along with Andoni Iraola (AFC Bournemouth), Filipe Luis, Xabi Alonso, Xavi Hernandez, Frank Lampard, and Jose Mourinho, had recently been considered for the role.
Fàbregas Even Received Clearance for Chelsea Move
The former world-class midfielder, who wore the Blues’ jersey for four and a half years, has been on Como’s sidelines since 2024 and has transformed the second-division club into a contender for European qualification. In the current season, Champions League qualification is even a possibility for the team, which is currently fifth in the standings. Just last Friday, he had also received public clearance from President Mirwan Suwarso for a move to London.
«You want your employees to stay with you for as long as possible, but at the end of the day, he doesn’t belong to us. If he wants to, he can go to Chelsea,» the Como boss explained to City AM. However, Fàbregas appears to have no intention of considering a change of scenery; his contract is currently valid until 2028.
Fàbregas Also Turned Down Leipzig and Leverkusen Last Summer
Reports suggest that Fàbregas was also on the radar of several top clubs last season, including RB Leipzig and Bayer Leverkusen. Even then, he was not enticed by any potential offers.
The club from Lake Como has accumulated 58 points after 33 matches. They are five points behind fourth-placed Juventus Turin. During the week, Fàbregas’s team narrowly failed to reach the Coppa Italia final, losing in the semi-finals to Inter Milan. After a 0-0 draw in the first leg, the Nerazzurri won the second leg at home with a score of 3-2.
Cesc Fàbregas Turns Down Chelsea, Focuses on Como’s European Ambitions
Despite receiving public clearance from Como’s president, former Chelsea star Cesc Fàbregas has rejected an offer to return to Stamford Bridge. He is prioritizing his current role as manager of the Italian club, aiming to lead them to European competition for the first time in their history. Fàbregas stated his commitment, emphasizing that he would be «crazy» to consider any other prospect than the remaining five games and his team’s European dream. His contract with Como extends until 2028, and he had previously declined opportunities with German clubs like RB Leipzig and Bayer Leverkusen.
Cesc Fàbregas Declines Chelsea Coaching Role, Prioritizes Como’s European Aspirations
While Como’s president gave Cesc Fàbregas his blessing to potentially return to his former club Chelsea, the Spaniard has firmly rejected the offer. Fàbregas expressed his dedication to his current managerial position at Como, stating his focus on leading the team to European competition for the first time. He dismissed the idea of leaving, deeming it «crazy» to think about anything other than the remaining games and the club’s European ambitions. His contract with Como is valid until 2028, and he had previously turned down similar offers from clubs like RB Leipzig and Bayer Leverkusen.