Cesc Fabregas wins Enzo Bearzot award as Como's Serie A success continues
Cesc Fabregas has been named the winner of the Enzo Bearzot Trophy, awarded by the Italian Football Federation and the Italian National Olympic Committee to the coach of the year in Italy. The Como manager received the prestigious award on Monday, a significant personal accolade that underscores his remarkable first season in senior management.
The 36-year-old Spaniard, who took the reins at the Serie A club in the summer, has overseen a remarkable campaign. Under his guidance, Como have defied expectations, currently sitting in 5th place in Serie A and firmly in the hunt for a UEFA Champions League qualification spot. Fabregas, a World Cup and two-time European Championship winner as a player, has quickly translated his footballing intelligence to the touchline.
Fabregas's Como side are currently on an impressive run, having recently seen an eight-match unbeaten streak in the league come to an end with a narrow 4-3 defeat to league leaders Inter Milan. Despite the loss, the team's high-pressing, possession-based style has won plaudits. The award, named after Italy's 1982 World Cup-winning manager, is a testament to the immediate impact Fabregas has made. He is the first Spanish manager and the first manager from outside Italy to receive the honour.
In the aftermath of receiving the award, Fabregas was inevitably asked about his future, with his success at Como making him a figure of interest. He was quick to play down immediate speculation, stating his happiness at the club. "I am very happy at Como. I hope to stay here," Fabregas said in an interview with EFE. "I am very attached to this project, to this city. Everything is going so fast. Today, we are focused on preparing for the matches, it is impossible to think about the future." His comments suggest a desire to continue the project at Como, where he is under contract, rather than seek a move elsewhere.
The award and Fabregas's comments come at a crucial point in Como's season. The club is in a fierce battle for a top-five finish, which could secure a historic first-ever appearance in the UEFA Champions League. The team's form, which has seen them lose just once in their last nine league matches, has been built on a clear, proactive philosophy. Fabregas, who only retired from playing in the summer of 2023, has earned widespread praise for implementing his ideas so effectively in his debut senior managerial role. The Enzo Bearzot Trophy serves as a significant endorsement of his work and marks a remarkable first chapter in his managerial career.
