Synopsis
Cesc Fàbregas employs a possession-based philosophy at Como 1907, drawing from influences like Wenger and Guardiola to prioritize structured build-up from the back through short passing, central dominance, and numerical superiority in midfield. He typically deploys a flexible 4-2-3-1 (or variations like 4-3-3), featuring rotations such as dropping pivots, inverting wingers, and quick combinations to create overloads and penetrative attacks while encouraging forward play and intelligent movement. Out of possession, the team shifts to a compact 4-4-2 or 4-1-4-1 for disciplined counter-pressing and defensive solidity. This balanced approach blends patient control with aggressive transitions and high pressing to dominate games and exploit spaces effectively.
Cesc Fabregas has cemented his status as one of the modern era's greats. After his playing career, Cesc Fabregas is currently taking the football world by storm, having revolutionised Como 1907 and established them as one of the most entertaining sides in Europe.
His tactical philosophy has garnered praise from many, characterised by his emphasis on possession and high pressing. Cesc Fabregas' role at the club not only involved creating results but also nurturing young prospects. Fabregas team uses the 4-2-3-1 formation, aiming to utilize the half-spaces in the final third. In this Cesc Fabregas tactical analysis, we break down how the Como boss made his name and what separates him from the rest.
Cesc Fbregas was born in 1987 in Arenys de Mar, Spain. Cesc Fabregas was considered one of Spain’s greatest midfielders. Throughout his illustrious 20-year career, the Spanish midfielder represented EPL club Arsenal, Barcelona, Chelsea, Monaco, and Como.
He also played a pivotal role for the Spanish national team, playing an instrumental part in Spain’s victories at the 2010 World Cup and the 2008 and 2012 UEFA Euros, with him assisting Iniesta’s winning goal in the 2010 World Cup. He was a decorated player, having won multiple league titles across different countries and the FIFA Club World Cup with Barcelona. He retired in 2023.
After his retirement, Cesc Fàbregas was appointed as head coach of Como U19 and B-Team. In November 2023, he was appointed as Como’s head coach. Since he didn’t possess the necessary coaching licenses, he was appointed as the assistant manager. In July 2024, he was appointed as the head coach. He guided Como to a 10th-place finish in Serie A, their best finish since they finished 9th in 1987.
| Field | Info |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Cesc Fàbregas |
| Date of Birth | 4 May 1987 |
| Current Team | Como 1907 |
| Major Achievements | None |
| Clubs Managed | Como 1907, Como U19 |
| Coaching Philosophy | Possession-based |
Advertisement
Cesc Fabregas Tactics are built on a flexible and structured system. He primarily employed the 4-2-3-1 system, emphasising short passing and positional rotations. The team plays out from the back, utilising centre-backs and a deep-lying playmaker to create numerical advantages.
Fabregas encourages midfielders to rotate positions, with an aim of finding spaces between the opposition defence. The players constantly switch positions, with full-backs switching to wingers and wingers moving to the midfield. Strikers make runs in behind, with attacking midfielders delivering creative passes into the final third.
While defending, the team maintains a compact mid-block, switching to either 4-4-2 or 4-1-4-1 in order to congest the opposition defence. Cesc Fàbregas was also considered a tactically flexible manager, with him using formations like 4-3-3 and 4-2-2-2 during his stint at the club.
Cesc Fabregas tactics at Como have not seen any major evolution. However, the Spaniard brought several changes in terms of structure and buildups. In his first season as Como’s head coach, his coaching principles were heavily inspired by his former managers Pep Guardiola and Arsene Wenger.
He used the 4-3-3 formation, which shifted to 4-4-2 or 4-2-4 in attack. The playing style focused on controlling possession and using quick attacks to break down opposition defences. Defensively, the team maintained an organized defensive structure to avoid vulnerability.
The 2025/26 season has seen major changes tactically. However, this season, Cesc Fàbregas’s side have also lined up in the 4-2-3-1 formation. One of the major changes was a 3v2 buildup structure from goalkicks, giving players a numerical advantage and huge spaces for lethal counter-attacks.
Advertisement
Despite a successful career as a player, Cesc Fabregas is yet to win a trophy as a manager. His biggest achievement involves guiding Como to one of the best leagues in the world promotion in the 2023/24 season, 21 years after the club's last top-flight appearance.
Cesc Fàbregas tactics at the club involved maintaining an organized defence structure and controlling possession in our own spaces and creating chances. Cesc Fabregas mainly employed the 4-3-3 formation. At times, he has also used the 4-2-3-1 formation. Jean Butez, an excellent shot-stopper, formed the base of his formation.
The goalkeeper currently has six clean sheets this season. Left-back Alex Moreno moved forward in attack, while right-back Ivan Smolčić maintained the defensive structure. Diego Carlos and Jacobo Ramón form the central defence.
Defensive playmaker Máximo Perrone moves to the pivot to complete the 4-man defence, while Lucas Da Cunha support attack. Nico Paz, the attacking midfielder, is the central piece of Como’s attack, with Mërgim Vojvoda and Jesús Rodríguez operating from both flanks. Anastasios Douvikas operates as the striker, making him the focal point of the attack.
Como Starting 11 (2025/26) - Butez; Moreno, Diego, Ramón, Ivan; Perrone, Da Cunha; Vojvoda, Paz, Jesús; Douvikas
Advertisement
Career Performance
Average Possession
( last 5 matches )
Similar Managers
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Como build attacks?
They focus on patient, short-passing build-up from the back, creating central overloads through quick combinations and forward aggression.
