Fabregas: ‘Difficult not to fall in love’ with Como after 5-0 Pisa thumping

Cesc Fabregas expressed his strong affection for Como and its promising young squad, stating it's "difficult not to fall in love" with them. His comments followed Como's dominant 5-0 victory over Pisa on Sunday, which propelled them three points clear of Juventus in the Champions League qualification spots.

Como convincingly defeated their relegation-threatened opponents in Serie A, with goals contributed by Assane Diao, Anastasios Douvikas, Martin Baturina, Nico Paz, and Maxi Perrone.

The team now enters the international break holding a solid fourth place, maintaining a three-point lead over fifth-placed Juventus. Roma, in sixth, was scheduled to play later that Sunday evening.

Fabregas on Como's 5-0 Victory Against Pisa: ‘An Important Win’

Fabregas highlighted that Sunday's win held particular significance, not primarily for its impact on the Champions League race, but as a tribute to the club's late co-owner, Michael Bambang Hartono, who passed away recently.

"Today was an important victory because we lost an important person in the Como World," Fabregas shared after the final whistle. "We send a big hug to the Hartono family today. It's thanks to them that we can all experience moments like this. In this respect, today’s victory is even more important."

Fabregas admitted he hadn't anticipated such a decisive result from his team before the match began.

"We had told ourselves in the days leading up to this that it would be a tough game. We exploited the space effectively for the first two goals. The team showed intelligence; it’s another valuable experience for their development," he explained.

"Now there's a short break for rest. We'll check on Jesus and Ramon, but it fills us with pride to see them receive national team call-ups."

When asked about the atmosphere in Como as the team nears a potential first-ever Champions League berth, Fabregas responded:

"We're embracing a wonderful atmosphere, and the fans are content. We all aspire to more, but we're enjoying the journey. Just six or seven years ago, we were a modest team in Serie D, and now we're making substantial progress."

"It's genuinely difficult not to develop a strong connection with these young players. We are achieving what we set out to do two years ago. Knowing precisely where we want to go and how we plan to get there is absolutely fundamental for me."

Fabregas also provided an update on Jesus Rodriguez, who had to leave the field early in the first half against Pisa due to a knee issue.

"He sustained two knocks, one early on and another after about 25 minutes. He couldn't continue. He's an explosive player, and such injuries significantly affect him. It's a pity because it was a game perfectly suited to his strengths. But that’s football, and we must keep looking ahead."