Ahead of Celtic’s appearance in the Como Cup, Cesc Fabregas says he retains fond memories of playing at Parkhead, despite finding himself on the losing side in one of the Champions League’s greatest upsets.
The pre-season tournament, which sees Celtic take on Ajax and Como face Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli in the semi-finals, is the first of its kind as the Italians look to test themselves against clubs with continental pedigree.
In a distinguished playing career, which saw the midfielder represent Arsenal, Barcelona, Chelsea, Monaco and Como 1907, as well as winning the World Cup and the Euros twice, Fabregas faced Celtic three times, winning twice.
A 2-0 win with Arsenal in 2009 marked a positive first encounter, but it was the second that would prove unforgettable for both Celtic and the Spaniard, coming on as a substitute in 2012 as Neil Lennon’s side pulled off the historic upset to win 2-1.
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Although defeated, Fabregas recalled the “fantastic atmosphere” that night. “It was incredible to play at Celtic Park,” he said of the team he continued to keep tabs on after scoring the winning goal in the following year’s tie at Camp Nou.
“It will be nice because they have quality players. They won the league by far this year and they play in Europe,” said Fabregas. “If we do play against them, it will be a big test.”
Impressed enough to buy two of last season's Celtic performers, Nicolas Kühn and Alex Valle (a loan made permanent), this summer.
However the manager admitted that scouting Celtic and its players was not without its challenges, due to the gulf between Brendan Rodgers’ team and the rest.
“I watched more individual clips of them, not so much collectively. But it’s a very interesting team,” said Fabregas. “The problem is that analysing these teams is a bit difficult because they are normally so superior every week in their league.
"But doing it in Europe, that’s where you see the real value and level. They are a very well organised and competent team. I spoke with Nick (Kuhn) about them and he was really happy there, he always speaks very well of them.”
With Celtic and Como placed in opposite semi-finals, there is a chance that they will not meet, however the friendly competition gives the manager the chance to test his players against those who have made a dent in Europe and Asia in recent years.
Their opponents tomorrow, Al-Alhi, won the Asian Champions League this year with a squad featuring, among others, Roberto Firmino, Ivan Toney and Riyad Mahrez.
Meanwhile Celtic’s opponents Ajax, reached the semi-finals of the UCL in 2019 but have since struggled, contriving to earn just 5 points from the last 15 available to see PSV Eindhoven snatch this year’s Eredivisie title.
Fabregas will be able to use the tournament to gain a better understanding of the level required to compete in the upper echelons of the game, building on promotion in 2023-24 for their first season in Serie A in 21 years last summer, finishing an impressive 10th.
Albeit playing in the charming Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia, which can hold 13, 602 fans, Como are by no means a club outperforming their budget.
Owned by the Djarum group, known for the production of clove cigarettes and run by Indonesian brothers Budi and Michael Hartono (combined net worth estimated at around £37bn by Forbes as of 2024). For reference, the next highest, Inter Milan are controlled by US-based asset firm Oaktree Capital with an estimated £7.4bn.
It's a fortune reflected in the transfer market, spending over £90m last season and almost surpassing it this summer whilst earning a mere £7m from sales, among the highest net spend in Europe.
Fabregas, who was handed the role permanently after a spell as interim boss and managing the under-19s and B-team, does not feel the pressure that would traditionally accompany such a financial backing like a sword of Damocles.
“I feel pressure, not from the club, not because we spend money but because I’m a winner. I believe in myself and I put pressure on myself every day,” he said. “I will go to sleep tonight and I will want to be better tomorrow and think about what I can improve on but there is no pressure.”
In spite of their wealth, Como have opted against signing too many expensive, readymade players, opting primarily for promising talent complemented by experienced heads to provide guidance in the brave new world of top flight football.
Nine players under twenty were signed in the past two years, accompanied by Pepe Reina (now retired), Dele Alli and Sergi Roberto from Barcelona as part of a squad that has since swollen to 34, with Fabregas saying that “90%” of their business is complete.
“We (Como) are different because the owners we have are different. We want to grow together, to create principles and strategy and then God will dictate where we end up,” said Fabregas. “Yes we spend money, but we also have a lot of value that, if we need to sell, we would get maybe two or three times what we spent.”
Speaking on the rumours of Alvaro Morata’s arrival this summer, the manager was coy. “Let’s see. I don’t like to talk about something that’s 100% done but we’ll see in the next few days.”
However he did express his feelings towards those that suggest a Serie A game between Como and AC Milan will be played in Australia next season.
“It’s strange, it’s never happened before and it says it all. It’s true that especially for us, the Como people and the club, returning after 21 years to play against Juventus and Milan… people want to go and see the show live.”
“I can’t say too much, but it doesn’t worry me too much because the club is taking care of it. People who live football, who talk and want to enjoy their team can’t do that. It doesn’t seem like the right thing to do.”
