Fabregas wants ‘more cynical’ Como to foul a lot more | OneFootball

Cesc Fabregas wants his Como side to be ‘more cynical’ after their 1-1 draw with Monza, urging them to ‘learn how to commit more fouls and stop the counter-attacks.’

The Lariani had taken the lead at the Stadio Sinigaglia through a Yannik Engelhardt header, but it was cancelled out by the Gianluca Caprari penalty for a 1-1 final result.

“We didn’t have many options on the bench today, as we are struggling a little at the moment with injuries,” Fabregas told DAZN.

“We did very well in the first half, but in the second we just didn’t understand the mood of the game. We should’ve been the ones pressing them high and not vice versa. Then the penalty, already the fifth of the season we have given away, changed the match and gave Monza confidence.

“This is not our moment and it is not easy to play under this much pressure. I am very demanding and want us to continue playing football with our identity.

“We need to make better choices in the final third and believe me, we are working so hard on this, but in the end it’s a matter of quality. If we have five scoring opportunities and convert one, then we’ve got to do better.”

Fabregas teaching Como tricks of the trade

COMO, ITALY – NOVEMBER 30: Yannik Engelhardt of Como 1907 scores the opening goal during the Serie A match between Como and Monza at Stadio G. Sinigaglia on November 30, 2024 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Chris Ricco/Getty Images)

Como have particular issues when defending and former Arsenal and Barcelona star Fabregas feels they are missing some valuable tricks of the trade.

“Another thing we must improve is when we allow counter-attacks. We are an aggressive team that wants to push forward, but then our opponents are just waiting for us to make a mistake so they can pounce.

“We must learn how to commit more fouls and stop the counter-attacks at the start. Finally, Iovine understood that and took a yellow card for the team in stoppages, but we are generally still too nice and that might be because we are a young team. We’ve got to be more cynical in those situations. When the first press fails, you’ve got to foul them.”