Como 1907: Italian football's fairytale driven by Fàbregas and ambition

Faktat

• Como 1907 plays in Serie A, pushing for Champions League qualification.
• Cesc Fàbregas, former Arsenal, Barcelona, Chelsea and Spain player, is the head coach.
• The club was bought by the Indonesian Djarum Group in 2019 when it was in Serie D.
• Como 1907 averages 12,000 sell-out crowds at the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia.
• Fàbregas transitioned from player to coach at Como in August 2022.
• Raphaël Varane is involved as an investor, club ambassador, and director.
• The team employs a 4-2-3-1 formation with a high-intensity press and strong defence.

A Waterside Paradise Transformed

The tranquil shores of Lake Como, usually associated with serene landscapes and luxury, now echo with the roar of football crowds. Como 1907, a club steeped in 119 years of history, has undergone a remarkable transformation, turning its picturesque setting at the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia into a unique footballing spectacle. Villa Carminati, a new private members' club, now hosts hospitality guests, adding to the distinctive matchday experience. When bathed in sunshine, the club presents itself as a waterside paradise, a vision its president, Mirwan Suwarso, likens to a "theme park" division of the "main brand … Lake Como." This idyllic scene stands in stark contrast to the club's reality just a few years ago. In 2019, following a series of bankruptcies, Como languished in Serie D, competing in a sprawling 168-team league and drawing crowds of only a few hundred. The acquisition by the Indonesian Djarum Group marked the beginning of an ambitious ascent. Now, the club commands 12,000 sell-out crowds, a testament to its meteoric rise. In only their second year back in Serie A, Como 1907 finds itself challenging for Champions League qualification, a feat that has captured the attention of the wider footballing world.

Fàbregas: The Architect of Innovation

At the heart of this rapid success is head coach Cesc Fàbregas, a name synonymous with midfield mastery during his illustrious playing career for Arsenal, Barcelona, Chelsea, and the Spanish national team. Fàbregas has introduced a tactical approach that deviates from the traditional Italian reliance on a 3-5-2 formation. His Como side employs a dynamic 4-2-3-1 system, characterized by high possession statistics and an aggressive, high-intensity press. "Innovation is very important," Fàbregas stated, emphasizing the need for "new ideas" rather than mere novelty. He stresses the importance of understanding his team's specific strengths and limitations, particularly noting their status as one of the youngest squads in Europe. This awareness informs his coaching philosophy, which prioritizes setting high standards while fostering an environment where players are receptive to learning and growth. Fàbregas's coaching journey began organically at Como. He joined as a player in August 2022, retiring the following summer to immediately take charge of the under-19 team. By November 2023, he had transitioned to interim first-team manager, subsequently assisting Osian Roberts, now head of development, while completing his coaching badges. After securing promotion, Fàbregas was appointed permanent manager, leading Como to a commendable 10th-place finish in Serie A in their first season back.

A Blend of Youth, Experience, and Investment

Fàbregas's strategic acumen extends to player recruitment, where he actively seeks individuals who can contribute not only on the pitch but also in managing the dressing room during critical moments. His approach involves bringing in players he knows well, individuals who possess the experience and temperament to guide a young squad. Last season, this strategy saw the likes of the now-retired Pepe Reina and Raphaël Varane join the club. Varane's involvement has evolved beyond a playing role. The World Cup winner remains connected to Como 1907 as an investor, a club ambassador, and a director. This multifaceted engagement underscores a broader vision for the club, one that integrates sporting ambition with astute financial and strategic oversight. Fàbregas himself also holds shares in the club, reflecting a deep personal investment in its future. The team's on-field performance is a testament to this carefully constructed blend. Como boasts the meanest defence in Serie A, conceding fewer goals than any other side. Simultaneously, they are a joy to watch, accumulating more goals than all but the formidable Inter Milan. This balance of defensive solidity and attacking flair has been key to their surprising success.

Tactical Prowess and Defensive Resilience

Como 1907's tactical identity under Fàbregas is defined by its commitment to possession-based football coupled with a relentless high-intensity pressing game. This approach allows them to control the tempo of matches and disrupt opponents' build-up play effectively. The team's ability to dominate possession, a rarity in a league often characterized by more direct styles, sets them apart. Their defensive record is particularly striking. With the division's meanest defence, Como has established a reputation for being exceptionally difficult to break down. This resilience is not achieved through purely defensive tactics but rather through an organized and aggressive pressing structure that stifles opposition attacks before they can materialize. Offensively, the team is equally impressive, scoring more goals than any other Serie A side apart from Inter Milan. This dual threat, combining a watertight defence with a potent attack, highlights Fàbregas's success in building a well-rounded and tactically sophisticated team. The team's youth is a factor Fàbregas constantly considers, tailoring his strategies to maximize their energy and adaptability.

Ambitious Ownership and Future Prospects

The Djarum Group's acquisition of Como 1907 in 2019 represented a significant turning point. The Indonesian conglomerate, with its vast resources, has provided the financial backing and strategic vision necessary to elevate the club from the depths of Serie D to the heights of Serie A. Their long-term commitment is evident in the club's infrastructure development and ambitious sporting goals. President Mirwan Suwarso's analogy of the club as a "theme park" speaks to a broader brand-building strategy. It suggests an understanding that modern football clubs must offer more than just 90 minutes of play; they must create an engaging experience that resonates with fans and stakeholders alike. The integration of hospitality, unique matchday settings, and a clear on-field identity are all part of this holistic approach. The club's current trajectory, pushing for Champions League qualification, indicates that their ambitions extend far beyond mere survival in Serie A. With Fàbregas at the helm, a young and hungry squad, and a forward-thinking ownership group, Como 1907 appears poised to continue challenging expectations and making its mark on European football.

Yhteenveto

• Como 1907 has risen from Serie D to challenge for Champions League qualification in Serie A.
• Head coach Cesc Fàbregas, a former football superstar, is central to the club's tactical innovation and player development.
• The club is owned by the Indonesian Djarum Group, which acquired it in 2019 and has invested heavily.
• Raphaël Varane, a World Cup-winning defender, is involved as an investor, ambassador, and director.
• Como 1907 is noted for its high-intensity pressing, possession-based 4-2-3-1 formation, and strong defensive record.
• The club aims to create a unique fan experience, blending sporting success with brand development.