Enzo Fernández‘s agent called Chelsea‘s decision to drop the midfielder for comments he made during the international break “completely unfair” on Friday.
Fernández was banished from the next two games — the FA Cup quarterfinal against Port Vale on Saturday and the Premier League match with Manchester City next weekend — Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior confirmed on Friday.
The sanction was in response to Fernández telling a podcast this week that he would like to live in Madrid. There’s speculation linking him with a move to Real Madrid even though he’s contracted to Chelsea to 2031.
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Fernández’s agent Javier Pastore said the Argentina international does not understand the decision.
“The punishment is completely unfair,” Pastore told The Athletic. “Banning the player for two matches, which moreover are also absolutely crucial for Chelsea because qualification for the Champions League is at stake and he is one of the team’s most important players.
“There’s no real reason or justification for why he has been banned. Enzo didn’t understand the situation. When the coach told him he accepted it because he’s a highly professional guy who’s always fully committed wherever he is and respects decisions, but we don’t understand the punishment because he doesn’t mention any club or say he wants to leave Chelsea, far from it. He only mentions Madrid, the city.
“Our plan after the World Cup is to meet with Chelsea again and, if there is no agreement, to explore other options.”
Following the Blues’ Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in March, Fernández said he did not know whether he will be at Chelsea next season.
Rosenior said he was part of the club’s decision.
“It’s disappointing for Enzo to speak that way. I’ve got no bad words to say about him but a line was crossed in terms of our culture and what we want to build,” Rosenior said.
“Enzo, firstly, as a character, a person and a player, I have the utmost respect. He’s frustrated because he wants us to be successful. 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.”
Fernández joined Chelsea for a then-British record £107million ($141 million) in 2023 and was appointed vice captain the following year.
Rosenior has confirmed that the 25-year-old will retain the vice-captaincy despite Friday’s punishment.
“I won’t be stripping him of anything because he doesn’t deserve that,” he said.
“We had a really calm conversation. I explained the decision and why. I know it doesn’t look like it right now, but Enzo and I have an unbelievable relationship.
“He understood the club’s decision and my decision in that. I know he will respond really well and help us in the upcoming weeks.”
1:59
Nicol slams Chelsea for inconsistency over Fernandez & Cucurella punishments
Steve Nicol and Craig Burley question Chelsea’s decision to bench Enzo Fernandez for two games while leaving Marc Cucurella unpunished for comments in interviews.
Rosenior revealed no disciplinary action would be taken against Marc Cucurella after he said in an interview with The Athletic that the dismissal of former boss Enzo Maresca in January had destabilised the team.
The Spain defender also appeared to question the club’s recruitment policy, saying: “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.
“But, for all of us who want to win big things, moments like this [the 8-2 aggregate defeat to PSG] make you feel discouraged.”
Asked about action that might be taken against Cucurella, Rosenior said: “I had a fantastic conversation with Marc yesterday, half-an-hour in my office.
“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.”
The Associated Press and PA contributed to this report.