ไทย
English
中國人
Former Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fàbregas is among the most exciting young coaches in world football, yet despite his Blaugrana roots, he declined to rule out the prospect of someday managing fierce rivals Real Madrid.
The La Masia product continues to generate buzz for his remarkable work at Como in Serie A, steering the club toward European competition for the first time in their history heading into 2025–26.
His impressive achievements at Como have placed him on the shortlist for some of the most coveted managerial positions across Europe. In a conversation with Partidazo de COPE, Fàbregas was asked whether taking charge of Real Madrid would cross a "red line," to which the former midfield maestro revealed the "only red line" he would never cross.
"No [Real Madrid's job isn't crossing a red line]," Fàbregas said. "I think the red line is, for example—and this I've known from the beginning—is that I wouldn't want to be an assistant coach. I don't think that's the right environment for me. One thing that's absolutely clear to me is that I want to be a first team manager.
"The other thing [managing Real Madrid], I've never thought about it, nor considered it, nor had time for any of that."
Fabregas 'Unlikely' To Leave Como This Summer
Just two years after returning to Serie A for the first time in more than two decades, Como have secured a spot in at least the UEFA Conference League next season, and the club remains in contention for a Champions League berth.
Fàbregas is the driving force behind Como's extraordinary ascent, and he was recently honored with the Enzo Bearzot award for the best manager of the season in Serie A. The Spaniard then expressed his wish to stay at Como upon accepting the accolade.
"It's unlikely, sincerely [leaving Como]," Fabregas said. "Again, you never know. I'm very happy at Como, I hope to stay at Como.
"I'm very connected to this project, to this city and everything we're building together. I'm very happy. I hope the club and the people of Como are happy with me, and hopefully we stay together for a long time."
Fàbregas is also a shareholder at Como, meaning he is deeply invested in the club's present and future. If a surprising move to Real Madrid were ever to happen, it would most likely come further down the road.
For now, however, he's more focused on trying to prevent a key player from heading to Los Blancos.
Fabregas Wants Nico Paz to Wait One More Year for Madrid Return
Nico Paz has emerged as the most influential player under Fàbregas since arriving at Como from Real Madrid in the summer of 2024. The 21-year-old attacking midfielder has racked up 18 goal contributions in Serie A this season, and his outstanding displays look set to earn him a first World Cup call-up with Argentina in the coming weeks.
Although Paz's transfer was permanent, Real Madrid retain a bargain $10.4 million (€9 million) buy-back clause, and reports have widely indicated that Los Blancos intend to activate that option this summer. Fàbregas, however, told COPE what his ideal outcome would look like.
"For his development, knowing him as well as I do from seeing him every day, I think one more year here [at Como] would benefit him greatly," Fàbregas stated. "We haven't discussed the future yet, because there's so much on the line in these final games.
"No decision has been made, or at least we haven't heard anything from Real Madrid's side or from the player's side. We're very calm, because he's a humble kid with a very grounded family. I think he'll make the right call."