Como, Italy – The fairytale continues for Como 1907, now firmly established in Italian football’s ranks. While the team focuses on the pitch, club president Mirwan Suwarso has outlined a long-term vision centered around sustainability and a unique approach to club building, with Cesc Fabregas playing a pivotal role. Suwarso, in a recent interview with Undici, revealed a refreshingly pragmatic outlook, prioritizing financial stability alongside sporting ambition.
“I approach everything with complete indifference,” Suwarso stated, a sentiment that might surprise some given the club’s recent success. “For me, one match is worth no more than another. We, as owners, do not set league position objectives. Our sole goal is to achieve profitability as quickly as possible. It is up to Fàbregas, and the team, to decide how far to push.”
Fabregas: More Than Just a Player
The impact of Cesc Fabregas’s arrival at Como has been transformative. Initially brought in as a player, his influence quickly extended to the coaching staff and overall club structure. “We didn’t bring him in with the idea of him becoming the coach, but then we discovered how he thinks,” Suwarso explained. “He spoke to us about how to build the team and create a sporting structure with a rigorous method. He thought about the team just as we did at the corporate level: his approach to the field perfectly reflected the corporate DNA we were creating. Uniting the two things was natural, and the results are proving us right.”
Fabregas’s ability to bridge the gap between the playing field and the boardroom has been crucial to Como’s success. His insights have informed not only tactical decisions but as well the club’s broader strategic direction. This holistic approach, blending sporting expertise with sound business principles, is central to Como’s long-term plan.
The Inevitable Departure?
Despite Fabregas’s current importance, Suwarso acknowledged the possibility of his eventual departure. “We would be foolish not to consider that one day he might go to Arsenal or Chelsea,” he conceded. “If he continues to be successful, it’s natural that he pursues bigger dreams. But he will have to choose himself who will take his place. After all, he is also a shareholder in the club; outside of tactical issues, he has the same say as the other directors: he proposes ideas and we discuss them together.”
This candid admission highlights the club’s realistic approach to player development, and retention. While valuing Fabregas’s contributions immensely, Como recognizes the ambition of its key personnel and is prepared to support their career aspirations, even if it means losing them in the future. The club’s ownership structure, with Fabregas holding a stake, ensures his voice remains influential even if he moves on.
Expanding the Como Brand Globally
Suwarso also addressed the potential for expanding the Serie A’s global reach, specifically mentioning the possibility of playing matches abroad. “I am absolutely in favor,” he stated, referring to a proposed match against AC Milan in Australia. “We need to start thinking about Serie A as a collective product. If giants like the NBA or NFL play outside the United States to expand, why shouldn’t we do the same? Serie A has a strong domestic market, but we struggle globally. It is up to the League to find strategies to grow, and we, as a club, have a duty to support these initiatives.”
Como’s location on Lake Como is a significant asset in attracting international attention. “The stars of Hollywood often go to the Sinigaglia stadium,” Suwarso noted. “In reality, they come on their own accord. This is the true strength of having Lake Como: we don’t have to seek out celebrities to invite. The Lake itself attracts them on vacation. The ‘Lake Como’ brand is enormous. We follow the Disney model: we use the field as a tool to attract attention.”
Beyond Football: A Premium Destination
Suwarso envisions Como as more than just a football club; he aims to establish it as a premium destination. “Right now, we are only at 30% of our potential,” he believes. “One day, non-football revenues will have to exceed those generated by the team. We are creating schools for young people who want to study while training in football. Then there’s tourism. We never say we are ‘just football.’ Como must be conceived as a premium destination. That’s why the team must express fun and attractive play: it’s also a tourist product. Those who come to the lake don’t just come to sit and watch 90 minutes of a match; they come to have an experience.”
The club is actively investing in infrastructure and hospitality to enhance the overall experience for visitors. “Many say that without a latest stadium, nothing can be done. But that’s not true. For us, what’s around us is highly important. In fact, we are probably the only club in the world with hospitality in villas and boats outside the stadium. We have just opened The Club on the Lake, a new and exclusive club for members. That’s the strength of our position. The goal is to first triple the capacity of hospitality, making these structures active 365 days a year, creating exclusive private clubs with restaurants on the lake.”
Developing Local Talent and Navigating Transfer Challenges
Como’s commitment to developing local talent is also a priority. “It’s an absolute priority,” Suwarso emphasized. “Also because buying players in Italy today is a problem due to the rigidity of payments. If I want an Italian talent for 15 million, I have to pay them all upfront or block the money with a guarantee. Abroad it is much more convenient and flexible: we took Caqueret from Lyon for the same amount, but paying him in installments of three million a year. So the only solution to have Italians is to buy them very young for our Primavera, hoping they develop into starters in three or four years.”
The club is actively seeking ways to overcome the financial hurdles associated with acquiring Italian players, focusing on youth development as a sustainable long-term strategy. This approach aligns with Como’s broader vision of building a self-sufficient and competitive team.
Como’s next challenge is a Serie A fixture against [Opponent to be confirmed], scheduled for [Date and Time to be confirmed]. The club will be looking to build on its recent success and continue its impressive run in the league. Fans can follow the latest updates and news on the official Como 1907 website and social media channels.
