Thierry Henry, who owns a minority stake in Como, has hinted that the club may encounter difficulty when potential suitors make their move for manager Cesc Fabregas. With the likes of Roma and AC Milan in the midst of appointing new managers, it is worth assessing whether he will be in Lombardy beyond this season, and potential next Como manager candidates who could step in.
Thierry Henry Hints at Uncertainty Over Cesc Fabregas’ Como Future
Having been absent from the top-flight for over two decades, Como well and truly cemented their status as a Serie A team after securing a 10th-placed finish this season. Thanks in no small part to a hugely ambitious investment consortium — which also happens to feature their manager — Como’s journey has no doubt attracted attention.
From lower league minnows to holding ambitions for European football, that attention is of course desired by Como, but for a club of their stature hoping to hold into its prized assets, attention is not necessarily a good thing.
In the case of manager Cesc Fabregas, his achievement of not only guiding them to safety, but also into the top-half has not gone unnoticed. Coupled with a style of play that is laced with possession-obsessed influences from his playing career, and you have a young manager that is quickly becoming an alluring option.
Thierry Henry’s recent appearance on The Overlap podcast began with an immediate question about his involvement at Serie A club Como.
After praising his achievements this season, Henry went on to reveal both Roma and AC Milan are strongly rumoured to be keeping tabs on Fabregas. Although he said its flattering for Italy’s heavyweights to be linked with Fabregas, he admitted Como face a battle to keep him in the dugout.
Is Cesc Fabregas Leaving Como?
Although Fabregas has been heavily rumoured to be on the shortlist of next AC Milan manager candidates, everything points towards him staying at Como next season.
Even in the face of interest from Bayer Leverkusen, and Jurgen Klopp’s eagerness to have him at the Red Bull project in Leipzig, Fabregas has confirmed he intends to stay.
“I talked to the club, we made progress, I am happy here,” he said.
“I want to understand if everyone wants to continue like this and they are all aligned with my ideas. I also spoke to other clubs, I am respectful and speak to everyone.”
Fabregas is contracted to stay at Como until 2028, and the club intend to match Roma’s €5 million per-year contract offer in order to keep for the duration.
According to Serie A betting sites, if Fabregas was to make a surprise departure, AC Milan are well-positioned as favourites for his signature.
Who Could Be the Next Como Manager?
Unfortunately for Como, Fabregas’ is stock will only continue to rise, and as such, so will the desire from potential suitors to lure him away from the club.
Although Como have undergone a wealthy rebirth since the $48 billion Hartono family purchased the club in 2019, there is only so much money can influence.
Being a disciple of the likes of Pep Guardiola, Antonio Conte and Arsene Wenger means Fabregas is a true student of football, and he has not been shy about his ambitions to become a manager at an elite level.
I Lariani have already began formulating a contingency plan in case of Fabregas’ departure. Como have been keeping tabs on Alvaro Arbeloa, who is a former Spanish national teammate of Cesc’s.
The former Real Madrid defender has ventured into management at the club’s Juvenil A side, but he isn’t the only candidate from Madrid’s sphere of influence.
Carlo Ancelotti’s son Davide is also appreciated by the club, and although he is expected to join his father’s new Brazilian national team set-up, nothing has been confirmed.
