Cesc Fàbregas has made it clear that he is not currently thinking about leaving Como, but the Spanish coach has revealed what could eventually signal the end of his remarkable spell with the Italian club.
Fàbregas was asked about his future ahead of Como's Serie A meeting with Sassuolo, including whether Sassuolo boss Alberto Aquilani could one day replace him at the helm.
His response offered a revealing insight into how he views his relationship with Como and the ambitious project he has helped build.
Despite Como's rapid rise under his management and the inevitable speculation surrounding a coach attracting attention across Europe, Fàbregas insisted that leaving has never entered his thoughts.
The former Arsenal, Barcelona and Chelsea midfielder has instead remained focused on the project at Como, which has developed dramatically since he moved into coaching at the club.
Fàbregas previously helped guide Como's youth and senior teams before taking full control of the first team.
Under his leadership, the club progressed from Serie B to Serie A and eventually secured Champions League football.
Fàbregas' comments contained an important caveat.
He suggested that the moment he begins seriously thinking about leaving Como could itself represent the beginning of the end of his time at the club.
That does not amount to an announcement that he intends to depart.
Instead, it highlights the importance of his mentality: as long as he remains fully committed to Como and the direction of the project, he sees no reason to start considering an exit.
That stance comes at a time when Como are attracting increasing attention following their remarkable progress.
Fàbregas arrived at Como as a former world-class midfielder embarking on his coaching career.
The journey has developed far beyond the original expectations.
After working with the club's youth setup and serving as an assistant, Fàbregas was handed responsibility for the senior team.
He helped Como establish themselves in Serie A before taking them to a fourth-place finish last season and Champions League qualification.
This season, Como have taken another major step.
Their European campaign has already produced a historic victory, with Fàbregas' side beating Manchester United 4–1 in the Champions League on Wednesday.
Nico Paz scored twice and provided an assist as Como produced one of the most memorable performances in the club's history.
Rather than allowing the United victory to distract his squad, Fàbregas has stressed the importance of maintaining the same standards in Serie A.
Como's next challenge is Sassuolo, with the club looking to carry their European momentum into domestic football.
Fàbregas has repeatedly emphasised that Como must remain humble despite their rapid rise.
His latest comments reinforce the same message about his own future.
There is currently no indication that Fàbregas is preparing to leave Como.
For now, his focus remains firmly on the project and on seeing just how far the club can go.
And according to his own words, the real warning sign would only come when he starts thinking differently.
