Will Fàbregas be 'Xabi Alonso 2.0'?

With his success in bringing Como back to Serie A after 21 years and his modern attacking style of play, former talented midfielder Cesc Fàbregas stands before the biggest opportunity of his young coaching career.

Cesc Fabregas is attracting attention in Europe.

When the final whistle blows in the 2024/25 season, Xabi Alonso will conclude his extraordinary journey at BayArena – and most likely move to Real Madrid's Bernabeu. While Leverkusen fans are experiencing mixed emotions, the club's management has identified a successor target – a name that has surprised many: Cesc Fàbregas.

This choice not only reflects Leverkusen's long-term strategy but also reveals a trend reshaping the European coaching landscape: placing faith in young, innovative managers, rather than seasoned veterans with proven formulas for success.

A choice between breaking the mold or following the natural order?

Targeting Fàbregas – who only had two years of coaching experience at a small club like Como – marked a bold move for Leverkusen. However, looking deeper into the nature of this decision, one can see the clear logic behind it: attacking football DNA, a philosophy of control, and the ability to develop young talent – ​​all elements that Xabi Alonso had established there.

The common denominator between the two Spanish strategists is easy to spot: both are world- class midfielders with exceptional tactical vision. Both have experienced the highest levels of football and began their coaching careers with relatively unknown teams.

Will Fabregas replace Xabi Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen?

However, Fàbregas is not simply a "version 2.0" of Alonso. While Alonso brought stability and balance, Fàbregas displayed boldness and breakthroughs in his attacking options. If Alonso was a symbol of calmness and patience, Fàbregas represented a passionate and fast-paced style of play.

In his two years in charge at Como, Fàbregas worked wonders. He led the small club back to Serie A after more than two decades. Even more impressively, the former Arsenal and Barcelona star not only helped the team achieve promotion, but also established an attractive playing system, a modern style of football that was unexpected to see at a club with such modest resources as Como.

The run of four consecutive victories against opponents like Monza, Torino, Lecce, and Genoa is not simply an achievement; it's proof of Fàbregas's tactical adaptability and psychological leadership. The style of play he built at Como – with full-backs participating in attacks like wingers, with pressing immediately after losing possession, and with flexibility in switching formations – are all elements that Leverkusen is pursuing.

A double challenge - leaving "home" and stepping into the "arena".

What makes this deal complicated is not just the coaching ability. Fàbregas is not simply the coach of Como; he is also a shareholder and has a deep emotional connection to the project. Como is not only a launching pad for Fàbregas' coaching career but also a place where the former Spanish star has placed his trust and dedication.

"When the desire is gone, it means either I or the players should leave" - ​​Fàbregas's statement reflects his philosophy of life and work. Now, the question is: is the desire to conquer new heights at Leverkusen strong enough to convince him to leave his "home" at Como?

Replacing Xabi Alonso is no easy task for his successor.

If Fàbregas accepts this challenge, he will face immense pressure: inheriting a Leverkusen team at the height of its success. Not only that, Fàbregas will also have to prove that he is not only a talented coach in a relatively "average" environment like Como, but also capable of leading a club that can compete for the Champions League title.

Leverkusen is not like Bayern Munich or Dortmund, with the pressure to win immediately. This is the ideal environment for young strategists who want to experiment, innovate, and develop. Xabi Alonso is the most vivid example: from a coach with limited achievements to a hero of the city and a name sought after by European giants.

For Fàbregas, this could be the perfect stepping stone before moving to top clubs like Barcelona or Arsenal – where he spent his playing career. And for Leverkusen, Fàbregas could be the perfect piece to continue the attacking football philosophy they are building.

Football is always full of stories of succession and innovation. Pep Guardiola took over Barcelona after Frank Rijkaard, Jurgen Klopp came to Liverpool after Brendan Rodgers. And now, the opportunity is opening for Cesc Fàbregas to write his own story at Leverkusen.

Could this be a fateful turning point in Fàbregas's coaching career? Does he have the character to overcome the shadow of his predecessor Alonso? And will Leverkusen continue to challenge Bayern Munich under Fàbregas?

These questions remain open. But one thing is certain: if this deal goes through, it will not only reshape the future of Leverkusen and Fàbregas, but also usher in a new era for young strategists – those who dare to think, dare to act, and dare to challenge the long-established order in European coaching.

Source: https://znews.vn/fabregas-se-la-xabi-alonso-20-post1552216.html