The 'Festa del Gamper Estrella Damm' is almost upon us as on Sunday Barça face Italian side Como 1907 at the Estadi Johan Cruyff, kick off 9pm CEST. On Saturday, ex-Barça player and now coach of the Serie A side, Cesc Fàbregas, faced the press ahead of the clash with his former club. "The feelings are strong and pleasant, it's always emotional coming back home," confessed the Catalan born coach. 

The game will be a special one without doubt for the coach but it is also an important one for his players. "It's a really good test for us to take on one of the best teams in Europe. We wanted more games like this so the players can get used to top level opponents," continued Fàbregas. 

Hansi Flick, a reference point

The Como 1907 coach expressed his admiration for his opposite number: "I love Hansi Flick. On Sunday I want to get 20 minutes with him to ask him a lot of questions. " The former Barça midfielder made special mention of Barça's pressing and high line, something his team will have to deal with on Sunday. "I am looking forward to seeing my team try to attack that line," said Fàbregas before adding his pride at seeing fellow La Masia players break through. "You don't need to look far for really competitive and excellent players," said the Italian side's coach on the new crop of home grown Barça players. 

Pedri and Lamine Yamal key figures

"I have a soft spot for him. He does everything well and I am really happy he had a consistent campaign las season," said Fàbregas on Barça's midfield maestro Pedri. The Como coach could not ignore Lamine Yamal and added that the teenager "is an inspiration for all my players." 

Sunday's game will be a special for the Como coach but also another member of the Italian squad, former blaugrana Sergi Roberto who will face his former club on the field for the first time since leaving in the summer of 2024 to join the Serie A side. 

 

Força Barça