Enzo Fernandez Suspended from Chelsea Matches
Enzo Fernandez, the 25-year-old midfielder for Chelsea, will not be available for either of the club’s next two matches. This decision comes after the club took disciplinary action against him due to comments he made during the international break that raised questions about his future at Stamford Bridge.
Fernandez has been linked with a potential move to Real Madrid, and his recent remarks on a podcast, where he expressed a desire to live in the Spanish capital, have only fueled speculation. Additionally, defender Marc Cucurella also gave an interview that highlighted concerns about the club’s stability and its recruitment strategy.
While Cucurella’s comments were seen as less damaging, Fernandez’s statements were considered the most significant indication that he may be looking to leave West London.
Following a 3-0 home defeat in the Champions League against Paris St Germain in March, Fernandez admitted he was unsure if he would still be at Chelsea next season. Head coach Liam Rosenior confirmed that the club had decided to exclude Fernandez from Saturday’s FA Cup quarter-final against Port Vale and the upcoming Premier League match against Manchester City.
“I spoke with Enzo about an hour ago,” said Rosenior. “As a football club, with me as part of the decision, he won’t be available for tomorrow’s game or Manchester City next Sunday.
“It’s disappointing for Enzo to speak that way. I have got no bad words to say about him, but a line was crossed in terms of our culture and what we want to build.”
Fernandez joined Chelsea for a then-British record fee of £107 million in 2023 and was appointed vice-captain the following year. Despite a difficult start to his career at the club, he has since become one of the most influential players both on and off the pitch.
Losing Fernandez would be a major blow to owners BlueCo, who are aiming to make Chelsea a serious contender for the Premier League title. Rosenior emphasized that while he respects Fernandez as a player and a person, the decision to suspend him was necessary to protect the club’s culture.
“Enzo, firstly, as a character, a person and a player, I have the utmost respect,” said Rosenior. “He’s frustrated because he wants us to be successful.
“In terms of the decision, it’s not all about me, or the sporting directors, the ownership, the players, we are aligned in our decision. The door is not closed on Enzo. It’s a sanction. You have to protect the culture and, in terms of that, a line was crossed.”
Rosenior also revealed that no disciplinary action would be taken against Cucurella, despite his comments regarding the instability at the club following the dismissal of former manager Enzo Maresca in January.
Cucurella, who joined Chelsea in 2022, appeared to question the club’s recruitment policy, stating that while he understands the direction the club is taking, moments like the 8-2 aggregate defeat to PSG can be discouraging for players who want to win big titles.
Rosenior said he had a conversation with Cucurella and expressed disappointment with how the interview was handled.
“I had a fantastic conversation with Marc yesterday, half-an-hour in my office,” said Rosenior. “My disappointment in Marc’s interview was where it went to. I think he should’ve spoken to us first about how he was feeling.
“I want players to know they can speak openly and honestly for the benefit of the football club. As a football club, we know we need to improve.”
