Fabregas warns Como to expect 'wild' Lens atmosphere

Cesc Fabregas warned his Como side they will be facing a "wild atmosphere" at Lens in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Former Spain international Fabregas played at Stade Bollaert-Delelis during his playing days when he represented Monaco.

The ex-Arsenal, Barcelona and Chelsea man will return there as head coach of Como, who have won two and lost one in Europe's premier competition this season – including a resounding 4-1 victory over Manchester United last time out.

And the 39-year-old wants his team to be prepared for a highly charged setting against the Ligue 1 outfit.

Speaking to Sky Sport Italia, Fabregas said: "It's a wild atmosphere; I played here two or three times for Monaco.

"I love nights like this, because you can feel the passion even during the warm-up.

"It will be interesting and a marvellous experience for our players. We wanted these nights, so if you are not motivated to play these, then you're in the wrong job."

Fabregas pinpointed Florian Thauvin as a particular threat to his Como side.

The experienced winger previously played in Serie A for Udinese, before returning to France with Lens in August 2025.

"Thauvin is an incredible player, he was at Marseille, then we faced him for Udinese," Fabregas added.

"He makes the difference, has huge quality, scores a lot of goals, so he is the reference point for this team, and we need to keep a close eye on him."

Lens have gone 16 Champions League matches without a clean sheet, since a 1-0 win at the old Wembley against Arsenal in November 1998.

In European Cup/Champions League history since 1955, the only French sides with a longer run are Monaco (23, 2016-24) and Marseille (18, 2012-22).

Como, meanwhile, have scored 10 goals in their first three Champions League matches, the most ever by an Italian side in their first three European Cup games (since 1955) and most by any side since Club Brugge scored 12 in 1973.