Como`s owner, Mirwan Suwarso, envisions the club`s journey towards Champions League qualification as a “natural process,” with Cesc Fabregas playing a pivotal role. He also openly admits that securing Lionel Messi would be a “dream” acquisition.
The club faced a major setback in 2017 when it declared bankruptcy, forcing a restart from Serie D. However, under the new ownership of SENT Entertainment and Djarum, who took over in April 2019, Como has experienced a remarkable resurgence. Through significant investment, they successfully returned to Italy`s top flight after a 21-year absence, comfortably maintaining a mid-table position in their inaugural season back in the elite league.
The ambition doesn`t end there; Como, affectionately known as the Lariani, are now setting their sights on even loftier goals, including a coveted spot in the Champions League.
Como Aims for Serie A`s Elite Status
“It is not an obsession; we want it to be a natural process,” Suwarso conveyed to La Stampa newspaper, as reported by Tuttomercatoweb. He cited the successes of Atalanta and Bologna as inspirations, outlining a long-term vision to eventually reduce investment and ensure the project`s sustainability. Suwarso also observed the distinct structure of Italian football: “In Italy you have three different leagues in one: the six best teams, those in mid-table and the others at the bottom.”
A testament to Como`s growing strength was their successful retention of coach Fabregas despite considerable interest from Inter and various Bundesliga clubs. “My rapport with Cesc is excellent; we believed straight away in his vision and status as a great coach,” Suwarso stated. “We asked him to improve us not only on the field but also in terms of mentality. He helped define our identity.” He dismissed rumors about Fabregas`s potential departure, clarifying, “There were no meetings in June, just a lot of rumours that we laughed off. He spoke to other clubs, but it was just a routine conversation.”
Como has developed a reputation for attracting high-profile guests to their matches at Stadio Sinigaglia, with Lionel Messi`s family being among the most recent notable attendees. This visit, combined with the strong, long-standing friendship between Fabregas and his former Barcelona teammate, naturally fueled speculation about a sensational move to Serie A for the Argentine legend, who currently plays in MLS for Inter Miami FC.
However, Suwarso tempered expectations regarding Messi: “The Messi family were guests of Fabregas and his wife. It would be a dream for him to come here, but why would he leave behind all the money he is earning now? Besides, we have not had any contact with him,” he concluded.