Fabregas wants Como to add Arsenal’s set-piece strength

Cesc Fabregas says Como can become a stronger side by developing the goalscoring threat Arsenal have traditionally gained from defenders and set-pieces.

Como moved on to 10 points in third place in Serie A after beating Parma 2-1 in the fourth round of the competition. They are two points behind joint leaders Roma and Inter.

Fabregas was particularly pleased with the way his squad responded after a number of players were left fatigued, prompting him to make changes during the match.

“Many players were feeling extremely tired, so we made some changes,” the Como head coach told reporters. “I liked the way the substitutes performed when they came on to the pitch.”

The former Arsenal midfielder said the contribution of the replacements had given him greater confidence in the depth of his squad.

“It was an important response from the team because it means I can rely on everyone,” he added. “I am extremely happy with the performance. This victory is important to me as a coach because I am beginning to understand the kind of team we can become.”

Fabregas also identified a specific area where he believes Como can improve, pointing to the influence of defenders in attack.

“In modern football, it is very important to have defenders who are capable of scoring goals,” he said. “Arsenal won the Premier League largely because of the goals scored by their defenders and from set-pieces. If we add that quality to our abilities, it will become a strength for us.”

Fabregas was one of Arsenal’s historic stars before leaving the club for Barcelona and then Chelsea. He later retired as a player and moved into coaching.