Cesc Fabregas highlights similarities between Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho as Como coach reveals he speaks to Arsene Wenger after 'every game'

Fabregas, known for orchestrating play in midfield throughout his illustrious playing career, is now carving out his path in management with Italian club Como. Drawing from a deep well of experience under some of football's most iconic managers, the Spaniard has embraced the challenge of leading a team from the dugout with notable maturity and insight.

Since stepping into the role at Como, Fabregas has managed to stabilise the club in their return season to Italy’s top flight. Sitting comfortably in the mid-table, the club has shown resilience and growth under his leadership, evidence of a promising managerial future.

Reflecting on the influences that have shaped his own coaching style, Fabregas spoke openly about his admiration for three of the most successful managers he has worked with: Pep Guardiola, Jose Mourinho, and Antonio Conte. While each has distinct tactical philosophies, Fabregas highlighted the common thread that binds them together - their relentless pursuit of success.

In an interview with Corriere dello Sport, Fabregas said: "Conte is a phenomenon, a phenomenon. I have learned so much from him. From his methodology and, above all, from his constant message, from his idea. Mourinho and Guardiola are different? On the field, perhaps, but off it, they are sick of victory; they have an incredible winning mentality and a notable ability to transfer it to the team. Antonio is made of the same stuff.”

Yet, among all the managers who have left their mark on Fabregas, Arsène Wenger holds a special place. Having given Fabregas his big break at Arsenal, the Frenchman continues to have a profound impact on his former player.

"Wenger is the best I have had," he said. "Especially now, in this, my beginning as a coach, he is an important and very present figure. He always writes to me after every game.”

Fabregas’s impressive start at Como has put him in pole position to succeed Claudio Ranieri at Roma, a move that would represent a major step up in his coaching career. However, the former World Cup winner remains measured and focused, unwilling to be drawn into speculation.

"I don’t know, nothing is decided yet," he said about his future. "I need a short break at the end of the championship, a moment of respite before sitting down at the table with Como… I consider myself very lucky because here, the management of daily life is the same whether you win or lose. The comparison is constant. Is Como the priority? I have to understand where we want to go. And how. Yes, the priority is Como."

Whether he remains at Como or moves to a bigger stage, it’s clear that his managerial career is being built with the same intelligence and vision that defined his playing days.