Cesc Fabregas Commends Arsenal's Patience with Mikel Arteta, Seeks to Mirror Gunners’ Culture at Como

Former Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas has applauded the club’s leadership for their unwavering patience during Mikel Arteta’s challenging early years as manager. Returning to the Emirates Stadium with his team Como for a pre-season friendly, Fabregas revealed that the Italian club is aiming to adopt the culture and stability that Arsenal has built over recent years.

Admiring Arsenal's Long-Term Vision

During the friendly match, which ended 1-1 before Arsenal secured victory on penalties, Fabregas expressed deep respect for how the Arsenal board supported Arteta through tough spells. This trust ultimately paid off with the club lifting the Premier League title last season. The Spaniard sees Arsenal’s commitment to a gradual, steady project as a rare approach in modern football, one he hopes to emulate with Como.

Backing a Clear Strategic Plan

Fabregas, who appeared 303 times for Arsenal as a player, emphasized how the club’s executives stayed true to their vision despite setbacks early in Arteta’s reign. After the game, he said:

"Congratulations to the club in general starting from seven, eight years ago when they first began this project. What you see every day in football, what Arsenal did especially in difficult moments, it doesn’t exist elsewhere. I told Edu, I told Andrea [Berta] last year at a Champions League game, congratulations for the patience, for sticking together, for keeping to the plan even after finishing eighth three years running, then nearly reaching the Champions League in the fourth year. Tottenham came in and you finished fifth, but you kept going because you had a plan, a goal, progression."

Seeking Stability Amid Football’s Quick Fix Mentality

Fabregas pointed out that the frequent firing of managers after a few bad results often disrupts team consistency. He feels fortunate to be part of a project at Como that strives to reflect Arsenal’s values and steady approach, despite operating at a different level.

"We lack this nowadays in football. You lose three games, change the coach, switch playing style—it doesn’t convince me. I’m lucky to be in a project, with much less history, but we’re trying to look at Arsenal’s stability, values, and culture. Mikel has done a tremendous job. I wish them all the best. These players are good people who want to play good football, they are respectful and committed to the plan. It’s great to come back and feel that atmosphere."

Upcoming Fixtures for Arsenal and Como

• Arsenal will face Manchester City in the Community Shield on Sunday, 16 August, at Cardiff.
• Their Premier League title defense begins six days later against newly promoted Coventry City.
• Como will play two friendlies against Liverpool on the same Sunday; the first behind closed doors, the second open to fans.
• Following these matches, Como will prepare for their Serie A opener against Udinese the following Saturday.