Bold Vision for Como

Como 1907’s president, Mirwan Suwarso, has set a clear and audacious strategy for the club. He wants the team to play with the flair and possession of Barcelona while sourcing talent in the same efficient, data‑driven way that Brighton and Brentford have perfected. The plan is to build a sustainable model that can compete at the highest level of Italian football and eventually export its success to other clubs.

Learning from Premier League Pioneers

In a recent interview with TNT Sports commentator Adam Summerton, Suwarso explained that Brighton and Brentford have become the gold standard for modern recruitment. Both clubs have built squads around undervalued players, using analytics and a clear footballing philosophy to achieve success on a limited budget. Como aims to emulate this model by identifying players who fit their desired style of high‑pressing, possession‑oriented football.

Adopting Barcelona’s DNA

When asked about the club’s on‑field identity, Suwarso said, “We want to become like Barcelona. We want to have that focus on wanting to have the ball, high pressing, possession, which is attractive football.” This vision mirrors the traditional La Liga giant’s emphasis on technical skill, quick passing and relentless pressure. By embedding this philosophy into every level of the club, Como hopes to create a lasting legacy that endures beyond coaching changes.

From Serie D to Champions League Glory

Como’s rapid ascent began when the Hartono brothers took over the club in Serie D seven years ago. The club’s rise has been meteoric, highlighted by a record‑breaking 9‑1 victory over Lens in the Champions League, the biggest win by an Italian side in the competition’s history. Cesc Fabregas, who arrived as a player in 2022 and has since taken the helm as coach, has guided Como to fourth place in Serie A with 23 points, positioning them to overtake Inter Milan if they secure a win at San Siro this Sunday.

Exporting Expertise

Beyond on‑field success, Suwarso revealed that Como is now monetising its footballing model. “We are now starting to export our ideas to other clubs, offering them as services or products because revenue from one club is limited,” he said. The club is working with 27 other clubs, creating a scalable revenue stream that could support future growth.

Addressing Critics

When questioned about the project’s feasibility, Suwarso dismissed critics, stating that Italian football is more collaborative than it appears. He emphasised that the media often misrepresents the reality, while clubs across the country share a common goal of development and progress.

Implications for Serie A

Como’s strategy could signal a shift in the Serie A landscape. By adopting a Premier League‑style recruitment approach while maintaining a Barcelona‑inspired playing philosophy, the club could challenge the dominance of traditional powerhouses and inspire other Italian sides to innovate. If successful, Como may become a model for clubs seeking sustainable growth without relying on massive spending.

Our Take

Como’s blueprint is bold and, if executed well, could disrupt the Serie A hierarchy. The club’s ambition to marry efficient recruitment with high‑quality football is a recipe for long‑term success, but the real test will be in the transfer market and on the pitch.

What This Means

Should Como’s model prove effective, it may prompt other Italian clubs to adopt similar data‑driven scouting while preserving a distinct playing identity, potentially reshaping the league’s competitive balance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Como’s new recruitment strategy?

Como aims to scout undervalued players using data analytics, similar to Brighton and Brentford, while fitting them into a Barcelona‑style possession and high‑pressing system.

How did Como achieve a 9-1 win over Lens?

The victory was a culmination of strategic recruitment, a cohesive playing philosophy, and strong coaching under Cesc Fabregas, showcasing the club’s rapid rise.

Can Como export its football model to other clubs?

Yes, Como is already working with 27 clubs, offering its proven recruitment and playing system as a scalable service to generate additional revenue.