Fabregas: Como must learn from Rotterdam defeat

Cesc Fabregas accepted his share of the responsibility after Como let an early lead slip in a 3-2 Champions League defeat to Feyenoord, the club’s first loss in the competition. The coach described the result as part of the education required on Como’s first European away trip, while acknowledging that his own decisions may have contributed.

Assane Diao put Como ahead in the 18th minute, but Gjivai Zechiel equalised two minutes later. Anis Hadj Moussa and a Robert Sánchez own goal then moved Feyenoord in front before Tasos Douvikas scored in stoppage time. Como had opened their European campaign with a 4-1 win over RB Leipzig.

“This is constant growth, it’s our first European away game. We continue to learn,” Fabregas said. He conceded that he might have made some selection decisions incorrectly as Como manage three competitions, but pointed to the rapid equaliser as a turning point. “The problem was conceding the 1-1 straight away. In the last 30 minutes we dominated, but they deserved to win.”

Coach shields players and turns focus to Fiorentina

Fabregas also urged that criticism be directed at him rather than his players, and asked the squad to concentrate on the next Serie A fixture against Fiorentina. “Put all the blame and the mistakes on me. Leave the lads alone,” he said, adding that the domestic campaign remained the priority.

The Como coach rejected inexperience as the sole explanation for the defeat, instead stressing the challenge of playing away against a side accustomed to winning at home. He said conditions differ sharply between home and away matches and that Como must learn to manage those demands.

Diao injury to be assessed

Diao went off after 23 minutes with a muscular problem, possibly sustained around the time he scored. Fabregas said the forward had felt unable to continue running and that the club hoped the issue had been caught in time. Diao’s condition will be assessed. The coach described him as an important player, while Como were already without Moise Kean.

Asked about the standard of the competition, Fabregas argued that the Champions League presents an exceptional test—even comparing it favourably with the World Cup. “The Champions League is the strongest competition. There’s a higher level here than at a World Cup,” he said, pointing to the difficulty of away fixtures and noting that Como’s opponents had been stronger overall.

Despite the defeat, Fabregas called qualification for the competition “a gift” for the club and urged calm and consistency as Como continue their development.