Cesc Fàbregas expresses support for Assane Diao after his call-up to the Senegal national football team, highlighting the young player’s potential and the importance of careful management.
The Como 1907 coach, who initially faced criticism for his stance on players’ international duties, has adopted a more conciliatory tone regarding Diao’s inclusion in Senegal’s squad. “ I’m very happy about it. The more they go, the better. It means the players are progressing.
The only problem with (Assane) Diao was his lack of match fitness. But for the club, for the fans, we should be very proud. No, it doesn’t bother me.
Only if today, tomorrow, and Sunday they focus more on the national teams rather than the club,” Fabregas said, commenting on the situation.
Fabregas emphasised the need to protect Diao’s development while acknowledging the 20-year-old’s growing maturity. “ Regarding his form, he can still improve.
I’ve seen him play better. When you see him play like he did against Roma, exploiting the spaces and scoring goals… Right now, it’s difficult for us to say how many minutes he should play.
But we have to be careful for the moment. We want him to be at his peak. But he’s only 20 years old. The challenges he’s faced recently have made him mentally stronger,” he added.
Diao’s call-up represents a milestone for the young midfielder, who has impressed in Serie B with his speed, technical ability, and attacking instincts.
While Fabregas refrained from fully dissecting the decision, he highlighted the broader perspective: international experience is a mark of progression for his players.
Como 1907 now faces the challenge of balancing Diao’s club responsibilities with his national team duties. Fabregas has repeatedly stressed that careful rotation and monitoring are key to preserving the player’s fitness and continued development.
As Diao prepares for international duty with Senegal, both club and country will watch closely to ensure the 20-year-old reaches his full potential without compromising performance or wellbeing.
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