Inter Milan is reportedly preparing for a change in management. It appears increasingly likely that current manager Simone Inzaghi will depart, with reports linking him to Al Hilal following the UEFA Champions League final loss to PSG. Consequently, the Italian club is in search of a new head coach, and the leading contender is said to be Cesc Fabregas, the former Arsenal and Barcelona star who currently manages Como. Fabregas guided Como back to Serie A in his inaugural season and secured a respectable 10th-place finish in the 2024-25 season. His promising work has led to him being recognized as one of Europe`s top young coaching talents, attracting attention from clubs like Bayer Leverkusen and AS Roma before Inter`s interest emerged.
Who is Cesc Fabregas?
Fabregas enjoyed a stellar playing career at elite clubs including Arsenal, Barcelona, Chelsea, and AS Monaco. He moved to Italy for his final professional season (2022-23), joining Como. Upon arriving at Como, he also became a co-shareholder, alongside former teammate Thierry Henry. Following his retirement from playing, he quickly transitioned into coaching, initially taking charge of Como`s Under-23 squad before being appointed manager of the first team a few months later. As caretaker manager, he achieved promotion to Serie A in his first season. In his first full season, he led the newly promoted side to a 10th-place finish, demonstrating strong tactical acumen and a knack for developing young talent, notably Real Madrid loanee Nico Paz. Despite his limited time coaching Como (less than two seasons), his work rapidly drew interest from various clubs, including Germany`s Bayer Leverkusen, who reportedly viewed him as an ideal successor to Xabi Alonso (who moved to Real Madrid). However, both Fabregas and Como declined the offer to continue their collaboration, although Fabregas`s new contract with Como is yet to be officially signed.
Why Inter want Fabregas
Inter is seeking a manager who can initiate a tactical and structural overhaul, moving away from the project that has been in place for the last six years. When Antonio Conte departed in 2021 after two seasons, Inter CEO (now president) Beppe Marotta opted for Simone Inzaghi, seeing similarities in their tactical approaches and believing Inzaghi could continue Conte`s work despite squad adjustments. This potential managerial change represents a different direction.
A key objective for Inter, driven by the American ownership Oaktree, is to find a manager capable of developing young players. Fabregas has quickly demonstrated this ability, turning prospects like Nico Paz and Maximo Perrone into important contributors despite their youth. Reflecting on this, Fabregas himself stated in 2021 while still playing: “I love playing with the young players. It reminds me of me when I started at Arsenal at a very young age. It`s different when you have someone who you can look up to that they talk to you when you make mistakes so you can improve.” He is now applying this philosophy as a coach. Recently, Fabregas also commented on Inter to Sky Italy, saying: “I like everything about Inter, I study them a lot because they have a different way of attacking from the others.”
Inter`s transfer approach for the upcoming season will be finalized once the new coach is appointed. However, initial signings suggest a focus on building a younger squad. The club has already acquired winger Luis Henrique from Marseille for approximately $25 million and midfielder Petar Sucic from Dinamo Zagreb. Both players are expected to be available for the FIFA Club World Cup, scheduled to begin on June 14 in the United States, where Inter`s new manager will oversee matches against Monterrey, Urawa Red Diamonds, and River Plate in the group stage.
Fabregas looks up to his former Chelsea coach, Antonio Conte, as a managerial role model. Conte, who recently won the title with Napoli, influenced Fabregas, particularly after their shared success winning the Premier League title together at Chelsea in 2017.
Describing Conte`s influence, Fabregas commented: “I think with Antonio, it was the first time that I`ve seen someone know exactly [what they want] … It was like going to school. I promise you, he will tell you, from the goalkeeper until you have scored a goal, what you have to do, exactly everything. Maybe it`s in a different way to how I saw football. At the beginning, it was difficult for me, don`t get me wrong. A lot of running, a lot of intensity. Big sessions, double sessions, gym sessions. I always based myself on my own quality, on my own vision, I pass the ball where I feel I will be dangerous and where I can hurt the opponents. I had coaches like Pep who had a lot of positioning game, but we had freedom inside of this. With Conte, the freedom was non-existent, he was telling me where I have to pass the ball.”
Appointing a manager like Fabregas would represent a notable risk and a strategic departure for Inter, but the current circumstances suggest it might be the opportune moment. Simone Inzaghi`s period at Inter was largely successful, yet it concluded disappointingly with the Champions League final defeat to PSG on May 31st. Both Inzaghi and the club could benefit from a new beginning. Inter is looking for a coach capable of fundamentally changing the tactical approach and philosophy that has characterized the team over the last six years. While Fabregas might be perceived as a gamble, he offers fresh ideas to a team that, despite reaching two Champions League finals recently, potentially needs revitalization. Bringing in the former Arsenal and Barcelona midfielder would also make him Inter`s second-youngest coach ever, behind only Andrea Stramaccioni, who took charge at 36 in 2012. This potential appointment is particularly noteworthy in Serie A, where major clubs rarely opt for such young managers, making it a fascinating prospect for the 2025-26 season.
