Cesc Fabregas is leaving his rivalries from his playing days well and truly behind him.
The Como coach is one of the most sought after in Europe after guiding them to Serie A and booking continental football next season.
Linked with a string of Bundesliga sides last summer, Fabregas ended up staying in Italy thanks to a water-tight contract at a club where he’s also a shareholder.
It looks like a similar scenario will play out this season, with former side Chelsea being linked with a move.
Fabregas already showed during his playing days that he doesn’t care much for rivalries, joining Chelsea as an Arsenal legend.
However, he’s gone a step further when asked about coaching Barcelona’s arch nemesis.
Fabregas could coach Real Madrid
Asked if he could coach Real Madrid in an interview with Cadena SER, he said: “I don’t have a red line.
“One red line, and I’ve been very clear about this from the beginning, is that I wouldn’t want to be an assistant… for example. I’m clear that I want to be a head coach.
“The other thing (joining Real Madrid), I haven’t even thought about it or considered it. I haven’t had time for anything.”
Fabregas was then asked about Madrid, and specifically Xabi Alonso’s sacking that was triggered by a Vinicius Jr sulk in El Clasico.
“What happened with Xabi and Vinicius… it’s a moment where you have to be prepared to make a good decision, and above all, what makes you a better coach is that you have to think about the group first,” he said.
“Nobody is better than the group, nobody is stronger than the group, and nobody is above the group.
“If you have a united and strong group, whoever wants to mess things up can do whatever they want, you’ll have the respect of the group and you’ll always do better in the long run.”
Similarly on the theme of Real, he also discussed Nico Paz’s future, with the Como sensation having a buy-back option for the Spanish giants.
“He’s almost like a son and he has grown a lot,” Fabregas said: “I’m very calm, because I believe he will make the right decision.”
Fabregas also took time to talk about his coaching inspirations, admitting regret and love for two key figures.
“I would have really liked to work with Carlo Ancelotti,” he said, before adding: “Of the ‘top’ coaches, what Luis Enrique is doing seems incredible to me.”
As for the Como project itself, the former midfielder said it was a natural progression.
He explained: “I saw a project, I saw an opportunity, not only to finish playing football, but to start doing what I was already beginning to love more than playing, which was coaching.
“I’m a shareholder in the club, I saw a project to start coaching, I have a contract and I’m very relaxed… I’m in a place that helps me grow and I’m very happy.
“I’m the one who makes the signings, coaching Como is like being at university every day.”
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