Cesc Fabregas is thrilled with Como's "unprecedented" growth since he took over, as they prepare for a season in the Champions League.

Fabregas joined Como's coaching staff in 2023 and helped the team gain promotion to Serie A before officially taking charge ahead of the 2024-25 season.

That season, Como finished 10th – achieving their best finish since 1987 (ninth) – and last term, he secured Champions League football with a fourth-place finish on the final day.

Their rise up the rankings has caught the eye of other clubs, with Fabregas of interest to Inter, Napoli, AC Milan and Chelsea, but he chose to stay at Como.

And while some have credited the vast investment put into the squad as the reason behind their ascent, Fabregas noted that Como have still overperformed what was expected.

"It's true Como spent money, but the growth of the club has been at a frankly unprecedented pace," Fabregas told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"Paris Saint-Germain spent hundreds of millions and waited 15 years before winning the Champions League, while Arsenal had to wait seven years to win the Premier League.

"I don't look at the money spent so much as getting the best out of the squad and individuals.

"It's also fair to say our salary bill is not enormous; there are eight or nine teams in the league with higher wages than us.

"When I make a decision, I do not change it, so I was never likely to leave Como. I was very clear with my President; I listen to others as a sign of respect, because it also allows me to explain my reasons."

Among their investments was the signing of Nico Paz, who opted to stay with Como despite Real Madrid seemingly wanting to use their buy-back clause this season.

The 21-year-old has made 75 appearances for Como across all competitions, directly contributing to 36 goals (19 goals, 17 assists).

"Nico Paz has everything, physique and quality," Fabregas said of the youngster.

"When I talk to him, I try to understand how eager he is to get to the top. If I turn towards him, and he looks the other way, then that's the moment to let him go. Nico has extraordinary courage, vision and ambition. He is 21 years old, but it feels like he's been playing for a decade.

"Like with all young players, you need to keep pushing him, to help develop the person as well as the player. That's how you create a player who can fit in at Juventus, Inter or Real Madrid."

"Kaka was a little more explosive," Fabregas added when asked about Paz's comparisons to Kaka. "He had this surge forward that, like Andres Iniesta, was unstoppable.

"When he started, you couldn’t get him back. Nico is a little more physical, more positional, more static, but he knows how to use his body in a different way to others.

"He's got the goal in his mind, a great final pass, has started to understand the game a lot better. He is a talent."