Dele Alli must wait for new Como chance as Fabregas mentions Barcelona defence | OneFootball

Cesc Fabregas insists that Dele Alli needs to ‘keep working’ before being given a new chance at Como and discusses his team’s defensive approach: ‘We can’t do what Barcelona are doing.’

The Spanish coach held a press conference on Friday on the eve of a Serie A match against Parma.

Como officially secured survival last week after a 1-0 win over Genoa at the Stadio Sinigaglia, so Fabregas was asked if he’ll rotate his squad and whether he’d start or give some playing time to Dele Alli.

Dele Alli must wait for new Como chance

MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 15: Referee Matteo Marchetti shows the yellow card to Dele Alli of Como 1907 during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Como 1907 at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on March 15, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“I play those who train well and earn a spot during the week. Dele Alli needs to keep working. He had his chance in Milan, but was sent off and then got injured,” he replied via TMW.

“When the right time comes, it just comes. Douvikas has trained well, and everyone is available except Sergi Roberto and Dossena.”

Alli made his Serie A debut against Milan in March but received a straight red card after just 10 minutes.

“Seeing the team give up after securing survival would hurt me.” Fabregas continued.

“I want to see the same grit and determination. It would be painful to witness a mental collapse. This is why the Parma game is important, I want to see the same attitude we’ve had in recent games.

“They must not feel satisfied. We have to perform for the team, the fans, and the club.”

Como have secured four consecutive wins in Serie A and are unbeaten in the last five.

The Azzurri have conceded 48 goals in 34 Serie A matches, but have kept three consecutive clean sheets.

“I’m happy with our defensive phase; we’ve improved a lot in this aspect,” said the former midfielder.

Fabregas mentions Barcelona’s defence

BARCELONA, SPAIN – APRIL 30: Jules Kounde of FC Barcelona is challenged by Nicolo Barella of FC Internazionale during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Semi Final First Leg match between FC Barcelona and FC Internazionale Milano at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on April 30, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Fabregas then added, smiling: “We can’t do what Barcelona are doing, but defensively, we’ve come a long way, and I always want to see a high line.”

Lastly, as reported by SempreMilan, Fabregas spoke about his future as he continues to be linked with Roma and Milan.

“Journalists always know a lot more than I. I am very calm, and I repeat, as I said last week, I cannot say anything about anything because nothing has happened. Meanwhile, I continue to work with the same energy and strength as always.

“There’s nothing new, if there’s any news, I’ll tell you right away. But at the moment, there is nothing.”