Premier League legend and Euro 2024 pundit named manager of Serie A new-boys Como after completing coaching badges
CESC FABREGAS has been officially named Como’s manager after completing his coaching badges.
The Arsenal and Chelsea icon, 37, played a key role in helping Como to return to Serie A after a 21-year absence last season.
The Spaniard was initially caretaker manager of the Italian club, which he also part owns, and then moved to No.2 in order to finish his coaching education.
Now he has finished that and will lead Como in the top flight after signing a four-year contract.
Highly-regarded Welsh coach Osian Roberts had performed the top job with Fabregas’ support but now he will return to his role as head of development.
The 2010 World Cup winner said: “I am so happy to be starting this season as head coach and I thank the ownership group for trusting me with this position.
“I share the ambitions of the group and believe this is just the start of where this club can go.
“It’s going to be a tough and important season but myself and the rest of the coaching staff are ready and we all believe.”
Mirwan Suwarso, official representative of the ownership group, then added: “It’s an honour for us to officially appoint Cesc as head coach.
“The impact of his knowledge, experience and passion is already evident in the success of last season and the evolution of our playing style.
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“We believe that this is just the start though and look forward to continuing working with Cesc this season and for many years to come.”
Como are also owned by the Hartono brothers and are the richest club in the Italian league.
And they are targeting a host of big players to help them survive in Serie A.
They are trying to sign defender Raphael Varane on a free transfer after his exit from Manchester United and are set to snap up Pau Lopez from Marseille on loan.
Former Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina is already one new arrival.
The Spanish keeper, 41, has just celebrated his 25th anniversary of being a pro.
Now he will make it to at least 26 years after he was officially unveiled by the club this week.
And Reina will be reunited with a former Villarreal team-mate.
Como have also announced that left-back Alberto Moreno, 32, has signed for them after he was also released by Villarreal.
He is another former Liverpool player after spending five years at Anfield from 2014.
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