Cesc Fabregas regrets easing off as Como thrash Manchester United 4-1

Cesc Fabregas says he regrets telling Como’s players to reduce the intensity of their pressing during their 4-1 Champions League victory over Manchester United on Wednesday.

Como led Michael Carrick’s side by four goals when Fabregas instructed his players to conserve energy ahead of their Serie A match against Sassuolo on Saturday, according to the Daily Mail.

Manchester United scored a late consolation through substitute Joshua Zirkzee, prompting Fabregas to admit he was frustrated that Como had not maintained their pressure and embarrassed their opponents further.

“I regret the final 10 minutes because I was the one who asked the team to slow the game down as there was another match coming up,” said the former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder.

“When it was 4-0, we could control things a little. I told the players to stop running and stay in the middle. That is what I regret, because I was the first person encouraging them to fight until the end.

“Their goal hurt me because our enthusiasm dropped and our defending dropped, but the mistake was mine.”

Fabregas praised his players for carrying out the tactical plan and said their performance represented another important step in establishing the club’s identity.

“I am extremely happy with the way the players applied everything we had worked on,” he said. “It was not only about the quality, which was very high, but also about the way we pressed relentlessly until the 85th minute.

“We are trying to create a culture at the club, a style of play and an identity. Tonight was another convincing moment for us.”

The result also carried particular significance for Fabregas because of Manchester United’s history and the difficulties Como have experienced over the years.

“I cannot lie to you and say that beating Manchester United was not a source of pride,” he said. “We know the history of our club and how much it has suffered over the years.

“Obviously, I hope all the boys and girls wear their Como shirts to school tomorrow. I feel proud.”

Fabregas also urged young players to make the most of their careers, which he said pass quickly.

“I always tell the youngsters to enjoy themselves, fight and do everything they can to achieve the best possible career for each of them, because it goes by quickly,” he added.

Despite describing the players’ display as enjoyable, Fabregas said the performance itself mattered more to him than the result.

“They made me enjoy tonight, but not so much because of the victory or the scoreline,” he said. “They played in the way I want my team to play: with belief, quality, a clear mind, aggression and fierce pressing.”