Cesc Fabregas's coaching behavior questioned by Allegri after Serie A match

Como's head coach Cesc Fabregas is under fire after a heated exchange during a Serie A match. A senior coach called him 'an idiot child'.
By Newsroom | Football, Italy |

Recent events during a match have placed Cesc Fabregas, head coach of Serie A club Como, under intense observation. A verbal exchange during a game has drawn sharp criticism, with one senior figure describing Fabregas as "an idiot child who became a coach yesterday." This incident occurred days after a reported moment where Fabregas's on-field actions involved his own player, Alvaro Morata. The scrutiny is particularly notable given Fabregas's relatively new role as a manager, having transitioned from a distinguished playing career.

Coaching Transition and Professional Milestones

Cesc Fabregas officially took on the role of head coach for Como 1907's men's team following a successful interim and assistant coaching period that culminated in the club's promotion to Serie A. This appointment came after he concluded his playing career in the summer of 2023 and quickly moved into coaching, starting with Como's U19 team before progressing to the senior squad. Fabregas also recently obtained his Serie A coaching badges after several delays, a significant step in his formal coaching development.

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The Incident and Criticism

During a recent match, Cesc Fabregas was involved in a heated exchange that led to public criticism from another coach. The specific details of Fabregas's behavior that triggered the exchange are not fully elaborated in the provided reports. However, the critic, identified as Allegri (who is 58 years old, compared to Fabregas's 38), characterized Fabregas's actions as inappropriate for a coach. Allegri stated, "The coach should not do what Fabregas did," implying a lapse in professional conduct. Fabregas, acknowledging his own excitement during the match, suggested that while Allegri's criticism was harsh, he understood the anger behind it, noting his own heightened emotions led him to "touch the ball."

Fabregas's Player Management and Tactics

Fabregas's approach to managing players and his tactical strategies at Como have also been areas of focus. Reports indicate he is not hesitant to express his views on player performance and selection.

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  • Player Availability and Morata: Fabregas noted that players like Alvaro Morata and Tasos Douvikas returned from international duty with limited playing time. He suggested it might have been beneficial for Morata to remain with Como for focused training, though he acknowledged Morata's familiarity with demanding schedules.

  • Youth Player Development: Fabregas has also expressed his belief in younger players, mentioning Martin Baturina and warning against undue pressure, while emphasizing competition for places.

  • Tactical Flexibility: As head coach, Fabregas has implemented a flexible tactical system at Como, often resembling a 4-4-2 or 4-2-4 in attack. His preferred structure is typically a 4-2-3-1, with an emphasis on possession-based build-up play. The team's formation and rotations are reportedly adapted based on player capabilities and opposition weaknesses.

Broader Context of Fabregas's Coaching Career

Fabregas's transition to coaching follows a highly successful playing career, marked by stints at prominent clubs like Arsenal, Barcelona, and Chelsea. While his playing days did not offer clear indications of a future in coaching, he has shown a clear aptitude and ambition in his managerial role.

  • Managerial Progression: He began his coaching journey with Como's U19 team before becoming an assistant for the senior squad and eventually taking the head coach position.

  • Club's Perspective: Como management views Fabregas's appointment as the beginning of a long-term project, highlighting his knowledge, experience, and passion as crucial to the team's evolution and recent success, including promotion to Serie A. They express confidence in his ability to lead the club forward.

Evidence of Managerial Conduct

  • Direct Criticism: Coach Allegri directly stated, "You're a kid who became a coach yesterday," and described Fabregas's behavior as inappropriate.

  • Fabregas's Response: Fabregas acknowledged his excitement leading to his actions and admitted, "I was too excited to touch the ball." He also stated, "The coach should not do what Fabregas did."

  • Player Involvement: Fabregas's on-field actions involved his own player, Alvaro Morata, though the precise nature of this interaction is not detailed.

  • Coaching Badges: Fabregas successfully acquired his Serie A coaching badges, indicating a formal step in his managerial qualifications.

  • Tactical Analysis: Reports describe Como's tactical setup under Fabregas as flexible, often shifting between formations like 4-4-2, 4-2-4, and a primary 4-2-3-1.

Conclusion and Future Implications

The recent criticism directed at Cesc Fabregas highlights the intense scrutiny faced by coaches, especially those new to the role. While his tactical approach and management style at Como appear to be evolving, a specific on-field incident has led to sharp rebukes regarding his professional conduct. The description of him as "an idiot child who became a coach yesterday" by Allegri points to questions about his immediate readiness and temperament for the managerial position.

Moving forward, the emphasis will likely be on Fabregas's ability to demonstrate consistent professional behavior on the touchline, in addition to his tactical acumen. His performance in managing player dynamics, such as with Alvaro Morata, and his strategic implementation will continue to be observed. The club's belief in his long-term potential, however, suggests a willingness to support his development despite these early challenges.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is Cesc Fabregas's coaching behavior being talked about?
Cesc Fabregas, the head coach of Como, was involved in a heated exchange during a recent Serie A match. This led to sharp criticism from another coach, Allegri, who called him 'an idiot child who became a coach yesterday'.
Q: What did Allegri say about Fabregas's actions?
Allegri felt Fabregas's behavior on the field was not professional for a coach. He specifically stated that Fabregas acted like a child and that a coach should not do what Fabregas did during the game.
Q: How did Cesc Fabregas react to the criticism?
Fabregas admitted he was too excited during the match, which caused him to act in a way he later regretted, even touching the ball. While he found Allegri's words harsh, he understood the anger behind them.
Q: What is Cesc Fabregas's background as a coach?
Fabregas recently became the head coach for Como 1907 after coaching their U19 team and being an assistant. He moved into coaching after ending his playing career in 2023 and has now earned his Serie A coaching badges.
Q: How does Fabregas manage his players and tactics at Como?
Fabregas is known for being open about player performance and selection. He uses a flexible tactical system, often a 4-2-3-1, and focuses on possession-based play. He also believes in developing younger players while maintaining competition.
Q: What does this incident mean for Fabregas's future at Como?
Como sees Fabregas's appointment as a long-term project and trusts his knowledge and passion. Despite this criticism about his conduct, the club is likely to support his development as they believe in his ability to lead the team forward.