Como coach Fabregas has no regrets over Inter Coppa Italia draw: ‘Losing would’ve been a disappointment’
Cesc Fabregas has dismissed any suggestion that Como’s 0-0 draw with Inter in the Coppa Italia semi-final first leg represented a missed opportunity, insisting his side performed well enough to have won the tie, and that the second leg in seven weeks’ time remains very much alive.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday’s Serie A clash with Cagliari, the Como head coach was characteristically detailed and passionate in his defence of his side’s display against the league leaders.
“Was it a missed opportunity? Sincerely, no,” he said, with quotes via CalcioMercato.
“We had three great chances to score, including Nico Paz, and they barely threatened our goal. I would like to know how many times in recent years Inter have managed just 0.07 expected goals.”
Fabregas proud of Como performance against Inter
Fabregas was equally pointed in pushing back against any criticism of his tactical approach in the closing stages, when Como sat deep rather than chasing a winner.
“If we had gone all-out and conceded a late goal, I would not have slept,” he said.
“We controlled Inter very well. For anyone used to watching teams do that against Inter, well, good for you.”
His only genuine regret was a lack of quality in the final third, with Valle and Vojvoda both failing to convert when well-placed.
“It was not attitude or tactics, it was quality in the last moment,” he conceded. “But after 40 years, we go to Milan in seven weeks to play for a final. Is it impossible? Nothing is impossible.”
The broader context is equally remarkable. Fabregas also reflected on an extraordinary run of fixtures, nine wins, four draws and two defeats across a gruelling 63-day stretch in which Como played every four days. Only the defeat to Fiorentina, he argued, was deserved.
Saturday’s visit of Cagliari offers a chance to maintain the momentum, and Fabregas is expecting another tight affair against a well-organised side.
“I know Pisacane very well, he is doing a tremendous job,” he said. “We want to play our game and bring home three points.”