Fabregas Owns Up to Sideline Shove as Allegri Bags Milan Contract Boost
Como boss Cesc Fabregas apologised for physical contact with AC Milan's Alexis Saelemaekers during their 1-1 Serie A draw, sparking a sideline clash that saw Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri sent off. Allegri later praised the young manager while Milan prepare a contract extension for him until 2028 amid Champions League hopes. The result keeps Milan second, trailing leaders Inter by seven points.
Fabregas Owns Up to Sideline Shove as Allegri Bags Milan Contract Boost
Imagine you're trackside at the San Siro, tension thicker than a post-match kebab, and suddenly your coach gets tangled up with the opposition. That's the drama that unfolded in Como's 1-1 draw with AC Milan on Wednesday night, as reported by Cindy Garcia at ESPN Italy and Lorenzo Bettoni at Football Italia.
Cesc Fabregas, the 38-year-old Spaniard steering Como these days, couldn't dodge the heat. In the 78th minute, Milan's Alexis Saelemaekers lost the ball near the touchline during a frantic counter. As the Belgian full-back scrambled back, he collided with Fabregas, who admits he raised his arm and made contact. Not exactly the touch of a magician like his Arsenal days.
The Apology Tour: Fabregas Takes the High Road
Post-match, Fabregas was all contrition. "I'm not proud of it," he said, owning up to what he called a spot of unsportsmanlike behaviour. He publicly apologised to Saelemaekers, Milan's Luka Modric, Mike Maignan, and even boss Massimiliano Allegri.
"It was a little touch, but you shouldn't do it – especially as a coach," Fabregas added. He's vowed to learn from it, hoping it's a one-off in his managerial career. Fair play to the lad; owning your daft moments is half the battle in this game.
The incident sparked a sideline spat between the benches, with Allegri – no stranger to a ruckus himself – getting his marching orders. Red card for the Milan gaffer, and the drama didn't end there.
Allegri Fires Back, But Wishes Fabregas Well
Still fuming in the tunnel, the 58-year-old Allegri quipped to DAZN: "Next time someone's on the line, I'll hop on the pitch and make a tackle myself." Cheeky, but you can see why tempers flared at the San Siro.
Cooling off in his presser, Allegri turned statesman. He labelled Fabregas a "very young coach just getting started" and predicted big things. "With experience, you improve and mature," he noted. Classy touch amid the chaos, especially with Milan sitting pretty in second in Serie A, seven points behind leaders Inter.
Allegri's no stranger to pressure, having returned to Milan after 15 years away. He's got this squad purring, but whispers about his future had been swirling. Enter the good news...
Milan Lock Down Allegri with Juicy Extension
La Gazzetta dello Sport reckon Milan's directors are ready to tie Allegri down until 2028, with an option for another year. Champions League qualification next season? That's the trigger, bumping his wage from €5m to €6m a season.
It's a vote of confidence in the Livorno native as the cornerstone of their project. Sure, Corriere dello Sport linked him to Real Madrid's bench, and Sportitalia hinted at doubts over the board. But Allegri shut that down recently: "Total harmony with the club. I'm happy to be back with this wonderful group."
He's right – March has Milan in a strong spot. Can they close the gap on Inter? With Allegri at the helm longer, it's anyone's guess, but the Rossoneri faithful will be raising a glass.
Meanwhile, Fabregas has his own headaches. He took a pop at striker Morata over a red card, and Como's stunning Coppa Italia semi-final run after knocking out Napoli – their first in 40 years – shows he's building something special. Touchline tiffs aside, both coaches are navigating choppy waters with style.
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