Cesc Fàbregas praised Evan Ndicka’s defensive quality following Como’s goalless draw with Roma at the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia.
The Como coach described Ndicka as a fundamental player in Gian Piero Gasperini’s system and refused to blame Anastasios Douvikas for struggling against the Roma centre-back.
Fàbregas also discussed Donyell Malen’s red card and argued that Wesley should have been dismissed for his first-half challenge on Assane Diao.
Fàbregas: “Ndicka Is a General”
Douvikas struggled to find space against Roma’s defence, but Fàbregas believes that was primarily due to Ndicka’s performance.
“Ndicka is a general,” Fàbregas said during his post-match press conference. “I watch Roma’s matches and he is a fundamental player for Gasperini.
“If you are constantly asked to defend one-on-one and you are not a phenomenon, you cannot play that way. The credit belongs to him—it was not a poor performance from Douvikas.”
Fàbregas explained that Douvikas still contributed by dragging Ndicka away from his central position and opening space for Como’s other attackers.
“We did not make the correct decisions to send him through on goal,” the Spaniard continued. “However, he creates space for you.
“He created space for Diao and pulled Ndicka outside the penalty area.”
Fàbregas Praises Como’s Personality
Como controlled much of the second half after Malen was sent off in the 53rd minute but could not break through Roma’s compact defensive structure.
Fàbregas was nevertheless satisfied with his team’s courage and commitment to their tactical identity.
“Today, we played our best match against a team like Gasperini’s,” he said. “I saw what I asked the players to produce: personality.
“We will live or die by our ideas. We know what it means to win and what it means to lose. I liked the personality shown by the team.”
Como finished with 66% possession and 19 shots but found only four efforts on target as Roma protected the clean sheet.
Fàbregas Responds to Gasperini’s Malen Argument
Gasperini questioned Malen’s dismissal after the game, arguing that the incident appeared worse in a frozen image than it did at full speed. The Roma coach also noted that the forward had been fouled shortly before making the challenge.
Fàbregas respected his counterpart’s position but disagreed with his interpretation of the incident.
“That is his personal opinion and I respect it,” Fàbregas said. “Coming here after a match like this is extremely difficult. You give your view, and other people have a different opinion.
“I was once sent off for an ugly challenge like this one. If the action is stopped and he makes that movement, it is a red card.”
Fàbregas Believes Wesley Should Have Been Sent Off
The Como coach was more frustrated by the decision not to punish Wesley shortly before halftime.
The Roma wing-back caught Diao as the Como attacker advanced toward goal, but referee Michael Fabbri allowed play to continue. Diao was subsequently booked for protesting the decision.
“For me, Wesley’s challenge on Diao was an absolutely clear red card,” Fàbregas said. “Ndicka was never going to reach him.
“There are many different opinions. It is better for me to remain quiet so that I do not create controversy.”
Roma ultimately survived with ten men to secure a 0-0 draw, extending their unbeaten start to the Serie A season.
Source: Cesc Fàbregas’ post-match press conference
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