Cesc Fàbregas has taken the first step in his coaching career with high marks. The former Barça footballer has completed his first season in charge of Como in Italy's Serie A with a surprising result. With a team lacking big names, he has achieved a tenth place finish in the standings.
His work hasn't gone unnoticed. Fàbregas has shown tactical ability, leadership from the bench, and a reading of matches worthy of a veteran coach. With a playing style based on possession, pressing, and clean build-up from the back, he has managed to give Como a recognizable identity in just a few months.
He is linked to coaching Inter
So much so that his name has started to be strongly linked to a top-level bench like Inter Milan. The Italian giant, which reached the Champions League final this year, is looking for a coach after falling 5-0 (5-0) to PSG in a final that left many wounds. That defeat has triggered structural changes at the club, and one of them could be Fàbregas's arrival on the bench.
Inter's board values his experience as an elite footballer, his modern tactical vision, and his ability to manage complex locker rooms very highly. Although it would be a huge leap in his career, in Milan they believe he could be the ideal replacement to start a new cycle. Meanwhile, Cesc would be willing to take on the challenge if the sporting project convinces him.
Cesc wants a Barça footballer
According to El Nacional, Fàbregas has already made his first request for that possible new Nerazzurri project and it would be Frenkie de Jong. The Barça midfielder is one of the coach's main desires, as he believes the Dutchman would fit perfectly into his system. The idea of building a dominant midfield, with quality in the build-up and dynamism in pressing, depends on having a profile like Frenkie's.
It's no coincidence that Cesc has identified De Jong as a priority. During his playing career, Fàbregas shared a locker room with some of the best midfielders in the world, and he knows exactly what profile he needs. Frenkie, with his ability to break lines, protect the ball under pressure, and break down defenses with his dribbling, is exactly what he wants for his project.
He wants to renew
However, everything indicates that Frenkie de Jong remains committed to Barça. The Dutch international has a contract until 2026, and both he and the club are in talks to extend that deal. His camp has made it clear that his intention is to stay at Barça, and that he isn't considering a change of scenery despite the interest from several European clubs.
Meanwhile, Barça sees Frenkie as a key piece for the future. Despite the rumors, the board is working on a renewal proposal to ensure his long-term continuity. They know that, if he's in top form, Frenkie de Jong is one of the most complete midfielders on the continent and they want to secure him against the siren calls coming from abroad.