German winger has been told to raise his standards to earn a starting place at the Serie A club after failing to live up to his hefty price tag
A former Celtic winger has been warned by Cesc Fabregas that he must raise his standards in training if he’s to make the grade and secure a regular starting role at his Italian club.
The German bagged 21 goals and contributed 15 assists during his electric stint at Parkhead after being plucked for relative obscurity from Rapid Vienna for a bargain £3m in January 2024.
But he has so far been unable to replicate that red-hot form since moving to Italy, and has yet to register a single goal contribution which has led head coach Fabregas to issue Kuhn with an ultimatum this month.
The Arsenal and Chelsea legend has made it clear that the wide man must show greater consistency in his daily work if he wants to become a guaranteed starter and begin living up to his price tag.
Nicolas Kuhn’s place in Como squad under threat
Kuhn has been used sparingly by Fabregas during the first six months of his Como career, with 11 of his 16 appearances this season coming from the bench.
And Fabregas has thrown down the gauntlet to his misfiring summer signing, signalling that improved performances in training will be key to regaining his place in the starting XI.
In a public declaration, the Spaniard told local press: “I'll wait for you and give you more opportunities, yes, but you show me more in training.”
Kuhn's acquisition was initially met with excitement by Fabregas after the attacker played a starring role in Celtic's memorable Champions League campaign, which included scoring in the Knockout Play-off second leg away to Bayern Munich back in February.
Read More
The former Barcelona star said: “Nico is sharp, technical, and understands space really well. He brings creativity and intensity - qualities that fit exactly how we want to play. He’ll give us something different in Serie A.”
Kuhn said his decision to join Como was an easy one, admitting at the time: "I’m really excited to be here. I had a long chat with the coach and I can’t wait to get out on the pitch, familiarise myself with the stadium and play in front of our fans.
“The decision was easy: the project is ambitious, and I want to be part of it, doing my best to help the team grow and achieve increasingly important goals.
“The city is beautiful - a real film set! I’m happy to start this new adventure in such a beautiful place.”
Como currently sit in sixth position in Serie A, five points behind Juventus in the Champions League spots - but with a game in hand to play.
Continue Reading