By Gareth James
Former Wales assistant manager Osian Roberts has taken on the role of interim manager at Como, an Italian Serie B club, until the conclusion of the current season.
The former assistant manager at Crystal Palace takes over after Cesc Fabregas removed himself as manager as he does not have his coaching badges.
The former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder found himself on the sidelines of the Serie B side after previous boss Moreno Longo was sacked.
A very proud moment @Como_1907 https://t.co/VgRmWGfJyr
— Osian Roberts (@Osian_Roberts) December 20, 2023
Fabregas guided the side to three wins in five matches while also studying for his coaching badges.
However, his brief spell at Como, who he co-owns with former team-mate Thierry Henry, has come to an end.
Until he has his coaching badges, Fabregas has decided to bring in a manager who does have the necessary qualifications.
https://twitter.com/welshfootie/status/1737454727963488481?s=20
So, Como have turned to Roberts, who was most recently Patrick Vieira’s assistant manager at Palace, to steady the ship until the end of the season.
It’s understood Fabregas will assist Roberts before the Welshman becomes the club’s head of development next summer.
The 58-year-old Roberts has been without a coaching role since departing Palace alongside Vieira in March.
https://twitter.com/MailSport/status/1737603791619227753?s=20
Having previously served as the technical director at the Football Association of Wales and in a similar role with Morocco’s football association, Roberts brings a wealth of experience to his new position.
Notably, he was part of the senior staff for the Wales national team under the management of Gary Speed, Chris Coleman, and Ryan Giggs.
Fabregas 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.”
Welshman Osian Roberts will be assisted by ex-Spain, Arsenal and Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas in his time at Italian side Como.#BBCFootball
— BBC Sport Wales (@BBCSportWales) December 20, 2023
