Enzo Fernandez Faces Sanctions from Chelsea
Chelsea has taken disciplinary action against midfielder Enzo Fernandez following reports that he appeared to express interest in joining European rivals Real Madrid during the international break. The decision was made after a discussion between the club and the player, with manager Roberto Rosenior confirming that Fernandez will be excluded from the next two matchday squads.
“We spoke with Enzo an hour ago,” Rosenior said on Friday. “As a football club, with me as part of that process, we’ve made a decision. He won’t be available for tomorrow’s game (versus Port Vale) and he won’t be available for Manchester City on Sunday. For Enzo, it’s disappointing to speak in that way.”
Rosenior emphasized that while he holds no negative opinions about Fernandez’s character or personality, the player crossed a line in terms of the club’s culture and values. “What I will say about Enzo is in terms of him as a character, as a person, I’ve got no bad words to say about him. But I think a line was crossed in terms of our culture and what we want to build. So we had to make a sanction and that was a decision we’ve made.”
Despite the sanctions, Rosenior reiterated that the door is not closed on Fernandez. “In terms of the decision, I’ve said this from day one, it’s not all about just me. It’s not all about the sporting directors or the ownership or the players. We are aligned in every decision that we make. So it was a joint decision. I’m saying that the door is not closed on Enzo. That’s very important. It’s a sanction.”
The midfielder will now be omitted from Chelsea’s next two matchday squads: against Port Vale in their FA Cup clash on Saturday, and to face Manchester City in Premier League action next week. This decision reflects the club’s commitment to maintaining its winning culture and traditions.
Marc Cucurella Also Under Scrutiny
In addition to the actions against Fernandez, manager Rosenior also held a meeting with Marc Cucurella following the Spain international’s comments about Chelsea’s transfer strategy and the sacking of former manager Enzo Maresca. During the international break, Cucurella gave a wide-ranging interview where he expressed concerns about the club’s direction.
“I had a fantastic conversation with Marc yesterday,” Rosenior explained. “Half an hour in my office. I want players, I’ve said to them from day one, if they’ve got any issue with how we do things, to come and speak to me and speak to sporting directors.”
Rosenior expressed disappointment with the content of Cucurella’s interview, noting that the player should have raised his concerns directly with the club first. “My disappointment in Marc’s interview is where it went to. I think he should have spoken to us first about the things that he’s feeling. I want players to feel like they can speak openly and honestly for the benefit of the football club.”
However, Rosenior acknowledged Cucurella’s passion and dedication. “Everybody knows Marc Cucurella, knows his character. He’s a great character, he’s passionate, he wants to do well. He did a long interview where he spoke with passion, he spoke his mind.”
After their meeting, Rosenior reassured that Cucurella remains committed to the club. “He’s fully committed, he wants to be here. He’s made that very, very clear to me. And he actually believes in where we’re moving forward.”
Player Concerns and Club Strategy
Fernandez’s recent comments about his future at Stamford Bridge followed a defeat to Paris Saint-Germain. In a livestream with Argentine channel SpiderCARP, he appeared to send a message to potential suitors, including Real Madrid. When asked which other city he would like to live in, Fernandez replied: “Madrid… I like Madrid very much… it’s similar to Buenos Aires.”
Cucurella, meanwhile, criticized the club’s performance in the two-legged defeat to PSG, stating that “we are still a bit away from the top level.” He expressed concern over the club’s focus on young players and the lack of experience in key moments.
“I understand this is part of the club’s policy, and that they want to take this direction – signing young players and looking to the future,” Cucurella said. “But, for all of us who are still here and want to win big things, moments like this make you feel discouraged.”
Despite these concerns, both players remain committed to the club’s vision, with Rosenior emphasizing that the team is working towards improvement. “As a football club, we know we need to improve, myself included. We actually know what we’re going to do in the summer to achieve those objectives.”
