COMO, ITALY – MAY 10: Como 1907 president Mirwan Suwarso during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and Cagliari Calcio at Stadio G. Sinigaglia on May 10, 2025 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Como President Mirwan Suwarso admits qualifying for the Champions League ‘surprised even us,’ while he is philosophical on Cesc Fabregas and Nico Paz’s future.
The Lariani had been in Serie C when the Indonesian businessman and his family took control and rebuilt the club, yet within two years of promotion from Serie B, they find themselves fourth in Serie A and with a ticket to Europe’s biggest competition.
Como ascent surprised Suwarso
“It’s been a very unique journey, because we came in with maybe a 5-10 year plan, the goal to be in Europe was always the longer one, but it surprised even us that we achieved it earlier than scheduled,” Suwarso told Sky Sport Italia.
“Obviously, that is because of so many people working on it together and achieving it together.”
A key figure has naturally been coach Fabregas, who arrived as a player and then went straight into management, even when he didn’t yet have his coaching badges.
He was so crucial that he even helped design the training ground with the architects, but also came with investment from himself and former teammates.
“Having people like Cesc, Thierry Henry and Raphael Varane involved, we are talking about three winners who brought in a culture of winning to our environment,” added Suwarso.
“The thing that is most recognised is our belief, we know everything is possible, and there is a contagious atmosphere.”
Much has been said about the number of big clubs wanting to poach Fabregas, but Como know they cannot keep him against his will.
“Only he controls his future, none of us would ever know one’s own destiny, so it’s up to Cesc what he wants to do.”
A more complicated situation is around Nico Paz, who was purchased from Real Madrid for €6m, but the Spaniards have an option to bring him back for up to €11m.
So will the Argentine stay at Como this summer or go back to Madrid?
“Only Real Madrid can answer that, because we own the player, but everybody knows Real Madrid have a buy-back clause on him,” replied Suwarso.
“We always try to look at life in a very positive manner, so maybe two years ago we could never have a player like Nico with us. Due to Madrid’s generosity, to give us a loan and then pay us, it’s a good deal.”