Cesc Fabregas said he has “no red line” about potentially coaching Real Madrid, even with a strong Barcelona past. The Como head coach stressed that the only limit for future roles is job status, not club identity, while interest in Fabregas grows after Como’s strong Serie A campaign and historic qualification for European competition.

Fabregas, now 39, guided Como to European football for the first time in the club’s history last weekend. That achievement arrived exactly two years after Como confirmed promotion to Serie A. The club are guaranteed at least a place in the Conference League, with an outside chance of reaching the Europa League or Champions League spots.

Discussing future options, Fabregas addressed what kind of role would interest the coach. “I have no red line. A red line, and I’ve been very clear about this from the beginning, is that I wouldnt want to be an assistant… for example,” Fabregas said, underlining a clear desire to remain the main decision-maker.

Fabregas took control of Como in July 2024 and has built a solid record in Serie A. Across 74 league matches, Fabregas has 31 wins, 21 draws and 22 defeats, giving a win rate of 41.9%. The progress compares with Torino, the last club to reach European tournaments within two seasons of promotion, back in 2013-14.

The team’s rise has led to links with major clubs. Reports in England suggest Chelsea, another of Fabregas’ former sides, are monitoring the situation. However, Chelsea are also believed to be exploring a move for former Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso, with negotiations expected before the World Cup begins.

Real Madrid are also approaching a key decision after a difficult season. Alonso was dismissed by Madrid in January, and Alvaro Arbeloa has been in charge on an interim basis. Madrid will end the campaign without silverware after losing the Clasico against Barcelona on Sunday, a result that confirmed the LaLiga title for the Blaugrana.

Media in Spain have reported that Jose Mourinho is Florentino Perez’s preferred option to replace Arbeloa. Yet Fabregas, who made 150 appearances for Barcelona in all competitions as a player, did not close any door when asked about Real Madrid. “I’m clear that I want to be a head coach. The other thing [the possibility of Madrid]? I haven’t even thought about it or considered it. I haven’t had time for anything.”

This season’s progress with Como has also earned wider attention. The club’s qualification push has featured prominently on Italian platforms, including league channels.

For Como, the final two league matches will decide whether the club steps into the Conference League or reaches a higher European tier.

Fabregas also reflected on coaches who shaped personal ideas about management. The former midfielder highlighted Arsene Wenger, under whom Fabregas played for eight years at Arsenal. Fabregas then turned to figures linked with Real Madrid, speaking about admiration for Carlo Ancelotti and respect for the work of Luis Enrique on the international stage.

“I would have very much liked to work with Carlo Ancelotti,” Fabregas added. “Among the topcoaches, what Luis Enrique is doing seems incredible to me.” For now, Fabregas remains focused on completing Como’s season, while questions about Real Madrid or Chelsea stay theoretical and depend on decisions taken after domestic and international competitions finish.