Como President Suwarso Discusses Fabregas, Stadium, and European Ambitions
Como president Mirwan Suwarso has provided a significant update on the future of head coach Cesc Fabregas and the club's ambitious plans in a wide-ranging interview with local media. The Indonesian businessman, who oversees the club's operations, addressed the former Arsenal and Barcelona midfielder's future, stadium redevelopment, and the club's European ambitions.
In an interview with 'La Provincia di Como', Suwarso was asked directly about the future of head coach Cesc Fabregas, whose current contract is set to expire. The president's comments suggested a strong working relationship remains, hinting at a likely continuation. "We talk about the future, he calls me about players for next year. We are aligned," Suwarso stated, though he did not confirm a formal contract extension. Fabregas, who took over as player-manager in 2023, has guided the club to the brink of a historic European qualification in just their second season back in Serie A.
Suwarso also addressed the club's strategic vision, emphasizing sustainable growth. "We want to develop a sustainable business, knowing that we are a small club in a small city, which means we need to have a broad vision, look to foreign markets, and promote the brand," he explained. This long-term vision appears to be a key factor in the club's stability and planning, moving away from the short-termism often seen in modern football.
The club's immediate future is also tied to the redevelopment of the Stadio Sinigaglia. Suwarso confirmed a new, scaled-back project will be presented within two months, a modified version of the initial plan that removes a planned hotel and other commercial elements to satisfy heritage concerns. "It will be a version of the first plan, softened following the feedback from the heritage authority," Suwarso said. He added that the demolition of the old, tubular-structured curva is a necessity for safety and will proceed regardless of European football, though a new, permanent curva is a requirement for European competition.
On the pitch, Como's remarkable season has them in contention for a European place, a scenario Suwarso is cautiously optimistic about, despite the mathematical probability. "I like data, but in this case, I prefer not to look at the percentages," he said, when asked about the high probability of European qualification. The club has seen revenues surge from €8 million to an estimated €60 million, a sign of their rapid growth and a key factor in complying with Financial Fair Play regulations should they secure European football. With a win over Inter on the horizon, Como's fairy-tale season under Fabregas continues to capture the imagination, with the president, the club, and the city all seemingly aligned for a historic finish.
