Como defeated Juventus 2-0 at home in the 7th round of Serie A. After the match, Como head coach Cesc Fabregas attended the post-match press conference.
How satisfied are you with this game?"Overall, I’m extremely satisfied—not just because of the result, though the result is important, it’s not the only thing that matters. When you do everything right, the result will naturally follow. Our football philosophy hasn’t changed, but today’s situation was different: we had no wingers, so we needed to prepare and adapt in a different way. I think the substitute players all performed well today—Moreno played great, Diego Carlos and Kempf were also excellent. Perrone is a pure intelligent player; there aren’t many players like him, and Cacace also did a good job.
"At the tactical level, we prepared well for the game and made Juventus struggle. We have always wanted the team to learn to win tight games, not just 5-0 routs, but to understand how to win. The team understood the significance of this game. Juventus’ Ilicic and Conceição are outstanding players who can always create threats. Last year we lost many games, but we are working hard to change that. We need to do the same things but better, and play with a winning mindset.
After the game, you hugged the players and gave an emotional speech—can you talk about that?"I asked them a question, and everyone shared their views. To be a true winner in life, courage and personality are essential, but beyond that, you also need quality and to believe until the end. If two people have the same mindset, they can always find a way to win.
"These lads have played 4 games without fans cheering them on, and that’s because our fan base made a united move for the city and the people of Como. Today, everyone was together—this is a victory for the whole city, the first victory of this kind in over 50 years. Being able to achieve this in such a way and show this kind of strength and unity is something we are proud of.
Wenger also came to the stands to watch the game today..."Yes, I personally got the ticket for him. Four weeks ago, he called me and said he might have a chance to come watch the game. He was the one who brought me to Arsenal. Although I didn’t see him on the sidelines today, we talked for an hour before the game, which was an honor and joy for me. Wenger believed in me when I was 16, and that trust still inspires me today. I also try to pass on this spirit to the young players.
You’ve conceded only 5 goals in 7 games, and despite Ramón’s injury, your defense has been solid."Yes, we do have many players sidelined, but there are never excuses in football. Earlier, when we played against Atalanta, they talked about their missing players, but I don’t like making excuses—that’s never our style. First, you need to have a philosophy and a sense of identity. Today, we faced Juventus, a team that will play in the Champions League at the Bernabéu in three days. Tudor is an excellent coach, and Juventus is a great club. Before the game, he called us a role model, which is a huge recognition for us. For us, this game was a big test. Today, we start anew in Como with a fresh atmosphere and ideas, and I’m glad we could be his role model.
This is the first time you’ve beaten a top club this season—is this a sign?"Last year, we also had chances to beat some big teams, but we fell just short. This year, I see the players growing every day. Coach Tudor has to win, while we are writing a different story. We have missed victories so much, and we cherish them even more."
