Fabregas slams Morata after costly red card: ‘Should play another sport’

Como head coach Cesc Fabregas did not hold back in his criticism of striker Alvaro Morata, who was sent off at the end of Como’s surprise 2-1 defeat at home against relegation-threatened Fiorentina on Saturday afternoon: ‘Those who can’t live with it should play another sport’. 

Goals from Nicolo Fagioli and Moise Kean gave Fiorentina, who had been in the relegation zone before kick-off, enough to hold onto at the Stadio Sinigaglia, despite a second-half own goal from Fabiano Parisi. 

You can see how the action unfolded on the Football Italia Liveblog.

Fabregas reacts to Como 1-2 Fiorentina

Fabregas cut a frustrated figure during his post-match interview with DAZN, criticising his players for their lack of awareness, and Morata for his lack of self-control in the final minutes, which led to his sending off. 

“I’m annoyed that I wasn’t able to help the boys understand the importance of the game. I showed them my experience as a footballer during the week, maybe too much, but it wasn’t enough. We’re a young team,” Fabregas said after full-time. 

“It wasn’t a football match in the second half. Leaving that aside, the game has to be won with the right motivation and energy. I feel bad as a coach, because I wasn’t able to convey this to my players today. Maybe it was in our heads. We made a mistake in our attitude, we have to show more desire and be better in attack if we want to play our game. 

“I didn’t like the first half very much, the second half, I repeat, wasn’t a game of football.” 

Fabregas believes that Como’s congested fixture schedule is a benefit after a game like today’s. 

“In 72 hours, we’ll play in San Siro and then against Torino, and this is a good thing to look forward to after this game,” he said. 

Fabregas did not hold back when asked to comment on Morata’s late sending off. The Spaniard was shown two yellow cards in quick succession for tussles with Rolando Mandragora and then with Marin Pongracic. 

“Provocation is part of football, those who can’t live with that should play another sport,” Fabregas said. 

“I expect much more from an experienced player like him. We can’t make excuses, though, and we can’t allow for what other people do on the pitch to affect us.”