Fabregas: 'Como continue to learn; the Champions League is tougher than the World Cup'

With quotes via TuttoMercatoWeb, Fabregas told Sky Sport Italia that the3-2 loss in Rotterdamwas part of the learning curve on the club's first ever European away trip. "This is constant growth, it's our first European away game.

We continue to learn," he said. The Lariani had thrashed RB Leipzig 4-1 on their debut and led through Assane Diao's 18th-minute strike, but Gjivai Zechiel levelled two minutes later.

Anis Hadj Moussa and a Robert Sánchez own goal put Feyenoord in control before Tasos Douvikas pulled one back in stoppage time. "We have to manage three competitions and maybe I got some choices wrong," Fabregas admitted.

"The problem was conceding the 1-1 straight away. In the last 30 minutes we dominated, but they deserved to win.

ROTTERDAM, NETHERLANDS - OCTOBER 14: Assane Diao of Como 1907 reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD2 match between Feyenoord and Como 1907 at De Kuip on October 14, 2026 in Rotterdam, Netherlands. Diao felt he couldn't run anymore, we have to assess how he is.

We hope we caught it in time," the coach explained. "He's an important player, you could see that today in the way we played and in the goal.

The Champions League is a gift from our last season." Asked whether venue explained the contrasting results against two similarly matched sides in Leipzig and Feyenoord, the Spaniard said: "Playing at home and playing away are two different worlds. We put them in difficulty at times, but overall they were stronger." ROTTERDAM, NETHERLANDS - OCTOBER 14: Javi Lopez of Feyenoord is challenged by Jesus Rodriguez of Como 1907 during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD2 match between Feyenoord and Como 1907 at De Kuip on October 14, 2026 in Rotterdam, Netherlands.

"The Champions League is the strongest competition. There's a higher level here than at a World Cup," he insisted.