After Como drew 1-1 away at Udinese in the first round of the new Serie A season, Fàbregas was interviewed by the media.

"It was a good match, maybe not so much for the coach," Fàbregas said with a smile. "I really enjoyed this game. The new rules have significantly raised the intensity. But now I have to adapt to the level of physical contact: players are constantly asked to sprint and use their bodies, which can lead to strains or injuries. Today, this affected Udinese more than us. So substitutions have become more important."

The coach then addressed Jesús Rodríguez's situation: "I understand he needed to leave the field briefly after being hit, because it wasn't time-wasting. This is an interesting rule, but in this case it was clear he was injured. Certainly, these new rules have brought some benefits."

Fàbregas also discussed the arrangement that has Baturina and Nico Paz playing close together: “We’ve had them playing close together before. There will be slight adjustments in every match, but our overall approach won’t change much.”

With the different pace of play this season, the coach believes the team must maintain its principles: “This year, we must adapt to a very distinct identity, not just tactically. In previous seasons, we had a full week to prepare for a match, but this year, sometimes we can’t even train.”

Fàbregas specifically highlighted Chalobah and substitute Mattia Liberali as standout performers in this match.

"I think Chalobah played an incredible game. Liberali also played very well; he has something special. I like him because he has character. Of course, sometimes he plays better and sometimes worse."

He specifically praised the 2007-born player: "We signed this Italian talent early, and we can't forget he's only 19. I can quickly tell if a player meets the requirements, and he's the type who says, 'Give me everything, and I'll respond.' The other substitutes also came on well."

Earning this point at the Bluenergy Stadium carried extra significance, given Fàbregas’s assessment of the opponent.

"We got a point on a very difficult pitch—a word I don't use lightly. Udinese won't lose many games this season. They are a very strong team with a clear identity and a robust style of play. Whether it's their pressing or their speed, they are very much like a Premier League side. I really like them, and they will make it very difficult for everyone."

Udinese also reminded Como of how little margin for error there is in Serie A: “They are a strong, very physically imposing team—a feeling you don’t get every week. They showed me once again that any technical or tactical mistake is immediately punished, as when we conceded the goal.”

Fàbregas had hoped for more, especially after Como's second-half display: "We responded very strongly in the second half and probably should have turned the score around, but they created a goal from limited chances. It just didn't happen in the end."

Therefore, the draw did not fully satisfy him: “That’s football; everyone wants to win. I won’t go home happy, but the team’s response was very positive. I told the players that everyone had to be ready to decide the game, and they were. We still need to improve many things, and now we need to prepare for the next match.”

Finally, the conversation inevitably turned to transfers, with Fàbregas asked about potential new signings and Kean. The coach did not elaborate on specific names, instead focusing on maintaining the team’s identity.

"Regardless of who leaves or arrives, the team's identity must be visible. I saw that against Arsenal, Villarreal, and Liverpool, and I'm satisfied. I don't think too much about transfers; playing matches is my joy."

Within a week, transfers will once again dominate the daily routine: “I have to invest a lot of energy in this every day, which makes me uncomfortable because I have to talk to this person and that person, and my mind becomes a bit scattered. It would be best if the transfer window closed a few days before the first Serie A match.”

Fàbregas concluded by bluntly summing up life as a coach during the transfer window: "I should be thinking about the game, not checking my phone on the bus to see if anyone has messaged me. As long as the situation remains like this, we have to adapt."

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