With the addition of several Champions League legends, including one as the manager, Wayne Girard argues Como will be staying in Serie A for the long term…
With the signature of Raphael Varane, Como are making a strong case for themselves as a new entity in Italian football. While the club spent years in Serie D and floating between ownerships, they have now caught wind in their sails under the powerful Djarum group.
The Indonesian Hartono family is looking not just to stay relevant, but to win. In 2018 they were promoted to Serie C, and two years later, jumped to Serie B. Now in Serie A for the first time this century, their promotion this past season was due to several factors, which are now showing to be more amplified versions of what we have seen since the Hartonos assumed power. While international ownership is not always indicative of success (ie. SPAL and Spezia), Como are here for the long run, which is to be confirmed with the help of these Champions League legends…
Habitual Winners at Como
Varane, who has won four Champions League titles with Real Madrid and the World Cup with France, raises the level of the side tenfold. Signing as a free agent, the centre-back will be at the forefront of the project and hold his locker room accountable. Still with plenty to give at just 31-years-of-age, Como have a top player in the most critical area.
On top of this prolific signing, the lakeside club have also secured Pepe Reina and Alberto Moreno. The keeper, turning 42 next month, has the second most appearances of any player among UEFA club competitions (192), was signed for this international experience as well as competitive mentality, as mentioned by Fabregas in his announcement. Even if he only gets fringe appearances, few clubs would turn down a legend between the sticks who moonlights as a singer:
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Also signed on a free transfer, Alberto Moreno follows the Spanish wave. Almost an entire decade younger than Reina, the left-back is a player that Como can lean on. He adds the wherewithal of how to win a tournament, given his Europa League title with Sevilla, and Champions League gold at Liverpool.
“Alberto is a fast, agile and technically gifted defender,” Fabregas stated. He’s an ideal match for Varane as the two will secure the defensive left quadrant.
With new teammates Gabriel Strefezza and Simone Verdi, Como suddenly have quite a swift look about them.
A Gentleman Manager
Cesc Fabregas landed in Como as a player in the summer of 2022, playing one season before retiring. Joining the club with the added incentive of becoming a minority stakeholder, he became the assistant coach, before being named at the head this past summer after receiving his full coaching license. It was an opportunity presented to him by his agent Darren Dein, who also represents Thierry Henry, and got him in on the action too.
But it’s not just for show. Fabregas worked his way up through the system at Como, coaching the Primavera, and then interim manager following Moreno Longo’s dismissal in November. Only allowed to coach for a month since he had not yet received full accreditation, he became caretaker manager Osian Roberts’ assistant, who formerly assisted Patrick Viera at Crystal Palace.
When Roberts was interviewed by The Athletic, he noted Fabregas’ work ethic: “He puts in long hours. He doesn’t do less than his staff. He does more. At this stage, with this club, I don’t know how he does it. He’s involved in everything, whether it’s appointing the head chef or ordering the mini-goals, whatever it might be. He’s involved, which is great.”
Fabregas will leave Como one day and manage a loftier club, but what he’s establishing now is a code of conduct that will trickle down through the staff and into the players. This will enforce professional behavior throughout the club, and expectation of a work environment geared towards winning.
If Como can just manage to stay in the top flight, they will continue to add quality among their ranks. The Hartono family are the wealthiest owners in the league, and if they can get a few guarantees and continuity in Serie A, we will see even more Champions League legends and highly talented players coming to Como for much more than just a lakeside retreat.