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Fernandez watches from sidelines as Chelsea rout Port Vale
Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez observed Chelsea's 7-0 FA Cup victory over Port Vale from behind the home bench on Saturday, serving the second match of an internal two-game suspension imposed by head coach Liam Rosenior.
Disciplinary action follows public transfer remarks
The 25-year-old had sparked controversy last month after arriving in Buenos Aires for international duty. In separate interviews with a YouTuber and later on television alongside his partner Valentina Cervantes, Fernandez expressed admiration for former Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos and stated he would "love" to live in Madrid.
Rosenior, alongside co-sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart, deemed the comments a breach of club protocol and issued the suspension, ruling Fernandez out of the Port Vale match and Sunday's Premier League fixture against Manchester City. The decision received backing from key ownership figures, including Behdad Eghbali.
Rosenior's leadership put to early test
The punishment marked the first significant disciplinary challenge for Rosenior, who took charge in January following Enzo Maresca's departure amid tensions with the club's leadership. Chelsea's recent form-including a 3-0 Premier League loss to Everton and an 8-2 aggregate Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain-had already fueled fan frustration.
Public criticism from Fernandez and vice-captain Marc Cucurella over the club's transfer strategy further strained relations. While Cucurella escaped sanction after privately addressing his concerns, Fernandez's refusal to retract his remarks led to the suspension.
Agent slams punishment as "completely unfair"
Fernandez's representative, former PSG and Argentina midfielder Javier Pastore, condemned the decision in comments to The Athletic, calling it unjust. Pastore later clarified that Fernandez had not explicitly named Real Madrid or expressed a desire to leave London, though reports in Argentina suggest attempts were made to reduce the suspension this week.
Rosenior has avoided public rebuttals, instead emphasizing a constructive relationship with Fernandez. "Things aren't what people maybe think they are," he said after the Port Vale win, hinting at a private resolution.
Contract impasse adds to Chelsea's challenges
Fernandez, who has contributed 12 goals and six assists this season, remains central to Chelsea's midfield but is reportedly seeking a new contract with improved terms. His agent has indicated negotiations will pause until after the World Cup, where Argentina will defend their title.
Chelsea's long-term deals-Fernandez is contracted until 2032-complicate any potential exit. The club paid £107 million for his services in 2023, a British transfer record, and are expected to demand a similar fee. Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid have been linked but are unlikely to meet such demands, while PSG connections have been dismissed as inaccurate.
Club stands firm on culture and precedent
Rosenior framed the suspension as necessary to "protect the culture," stressing that no player, regardless of stature, would receive preferential treatment. Chelsea's nine red cards this season underscore their zero-tolerance approach to discipline.
Senior players, including captain Reece James, have been briefed on summer transfer plans, with reinforcements expected in defense, midfield, and attack. Rosenior hinted at contract renewals for several squad members, though talks with Fernandez appear stalled.
With injuries sidelining James and others, Chelsea face Manchester United next weekend without key personnel. Fernandez's return will be closely scrutinized, with his future at Stamford Bridge hanging in the balance.
