Fabregas: ‘Difficult not to fall in love’ with Como after 5-0 Pisa thumping
Cesc Fabregas says that it is ‘difficult not to fall in love’ with Como and their talented group of young players after moving three points clear of Juventus in the Champions League positions thanks to their 5-0 win over Pisa on Sunday.
Como swept away their relegation-threatened opposition in Serie A on Sunday evening thanks to goals from Assane Diao, Anastasios Douvikas, Martin Baturina, Nico Paz and Maxi Perrone.
They now head into the international break in fourth place with a three-point buffer between themselves and Juventus in fifth. Roma are in sixth and will play later on Sunday evening.
Fabregas reacts to Como 5-0 Pisa: ‘An important victory’
Fabregas insists that Sunday’s victory was particularly special, not because of the implications on the Champions League race, but to honour the club’s late co-owner Michael Bambang Hartono, who died last week.
“Today was an important victory because we lost an important person in the Como World,” Fabregas told DAZN after full-time (via TMW).
“Today we send a big hug to the Hartono family. It’s because of them that we all get to live like this. Today’s victory is more important in this respect.”
Fabregas insists that he was not expecting such a dominant scoreline from his side before kick-off.
“We told ourselves over the last few days that this would be a difficult game. We attacked the space well for the first two goals. The team was intelligent, it’s another experience for their growth.
“Now there’s a bit of time to rest. Let’s see how Jesus and Ramon are doing, but for us, it’s a source of pride to see them get called up for their national teams.”
Fabregas was also asked about the feeling in the city of Como as the team creep closer to securing their first ever spot in the Champions League.
“We take in a beautiful atmosphere, the supporters are satisfied. We all want more, but we’re enjoying the journey. Six or seven years ago, we were a provincial team in Serie D, now we’re making real progress.
“It’s difficult to not fall in love with these young players. We’re achieving what we set out to do two years ago. We know where we want to get to and how we want to get there, which is fundamental for me.”
Fabregas was also asked about the condition of Jesus Rodriguez, who was forced off with a knee issue during the first half against Pisa.
“He took two blows, one at the start and another after 25 minutes. He couldn’t continue. He’s an explosive player and that conditions him a lot as well. It’s a shame, because it was a game suited to his characteristics. But that’s football and we have to look forwards.”