Arsenal and Chelsea legend Fabregas removes himself as manager of Como because he hasn’t completed Uefa coaching badges

CESC FABREGAS has removed himself as Como manager due to a lack of Uefa coaching badges.

Welshman Osian Roberts, whose last job was assistant boss to Patrick Vieira at Crystal Palace before he was sacked in March, has been appointed as first-team chief for the rest of the season.

Fabregas became interim Como head coach last month after the departure of Moreno Longo and won three of his five games in charge.

But that was only a temporary measure with the former Spain and Barcelona midfielder still working on his coaching badges.

The 36-year-old will assist Roberts with the former Wales and Morocco technical director then taking on the full-time role of head of development in the summer when the club search for a new manager.

Fabregas, who is also a part-owner of the Serie B club alongside ex-Arsenal team-mate Thierry Henry, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Osian Roberts to our football family.

"With his exceptional track record in developing players and coaches, we envision Roberts as a long-term architect of success across all age groups and levels.

"We believe that with this appointment we have the right experience to create the blueprint for the ambitious Como playing vision.

"Together, we embark on a new era of footballing success."

Roberts, 58, was part of the Wales backroom staff under Gary Speed, Chris Coleman and Ryan Giggs.

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Como, whose president is ex-England and Chelsea midfielder Dennis Wise, are currently third in the Italian second tier, four points behind leaders Parma.

A Como statement read: "Roberts is renowned for his influence in Welsh and Moroccan football.

"He was instrumental in both teams reaching new heights on the international stage.

"With the former he introduced 'The Welsh Way, emphasising dynamic play and player development Notably, he has also helped mould top coaches, including Roberto Martinez, Mikel Arteta, and Chris Coleman, through the world class FAW’s Dragon Park program he established."

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