Como’s president, Mirwan Suwarso, has expressed the club’s intention to recruit more Italian players and initiate renovations on Stadio Sinigaglia to prepare for European competitions. This comes as the club has achieved a historic qualification for European football for the first time and is still in contention for a Champions League spot, trailing Roma and Milan by only two points.
The current home ground, Stadio Sinigaglia, does not meet UEFA’s standards for European matches. However, the club plans to complete the necessary stadium upgrades by the end of the summer, with work scheduled to commence immediately after their match against Parma.
Como requires just one point from their remaining two league games to secure Europa League qualification, while still having a chance to compete for a Champions League place. President Suwarso emphasized the team’s goal to finish as high as possible, stating, “The Champions League is not important, as our target is to do better than the year before.”
The qualification for European football necessitates strengthening the squad for participation in three competitions next season. Suwarso indicated that while there will be new signings, the club has a solid foundation. He mentioned that 23 players are returning from loan spells, and the club will focus on sustainable transfer strategies. He also addressed criticism regarding the club’s spending, stating that while resources are helpful, they don’t guarantee success and that the club’s focus is on profitability and sustainability within the next two to three years.
Regarding the potential retention of player Nico Paz, Suwarso clarified that it is dependent on Real Madrid. He also highlighted the club’s strategy to incorporate more Italian players, noting that four were signed in their first Serie A season. The challenge, he explained, is that Italian players are often expensive, and the club is developing its own young Italian talent who could potentially join the first team. He named several admired Italian players like Orsolini, Bastoni, Dimarco, and Venturino, Cambiaghi, and Pellegrini as players they cannot currently afford.
Suwarso also praised the collaborative spirit within Italian football, likening it to the welcoming nature of Indonesia. He has found inspiration from various club directors and emphasized the mutual support and desire for league growth among clubs, contrasting it with his experiences elsewhere.