Liam Rosenior revealed his stance on recent interviews from two players in the **Chelsea**camp.
The Blues have been in disarray since the start of March, losing 1-0 to Newcastle United, 3-0 to **Everton**and 8-2 across two legs of their Round of 16 tie against Champions League holders Paris Saint-Germain. The transition away from **Enzo Maresca**has not continued to move smoothly, and there seems to be an acceptance that the chaos of the club can only allow for so much progression.
Since that exit, Enzo Fernandez and Marc Cucurella came out with concerning words about their future at Stamford Bridge, and the new head coach was compelled to respond to their statements.
‘A line was crossed’
After the 3-0 loss at Stamford Bridge in the second leg, Enzo spoke to ESPN and aired his frustrations. The midfielder, who was named as a captain under Maresca, believed that the dismissal of the Italian was unfair, adding fuel to the fire of talk about an exit from the club in the summer.
Enzo then declared that his focus remained on life in West London, but another interview indicated his desire to move to LaLiga. He has revealed personal reasons for suiting a switch to the Spanish capital, and the rumours of a transfer to Real Madrid have gained traction thanks to his comments.
His punishment has been a two-game ban from the matchday squads against Port Vale in the **FA Cup**and Manchester City in the Premier League. Rosenior rationalised this decision to the media.
*"The players were motivated we could do something really special in the Champions League. The comments from Enzo and Marc’s interview stem from that. It stems from a good place where they want the club to succeed. But in those moments, we need emotional stability as a group of players.”*
"It is 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. As a character, a person and a player, I have the utmost respect. He's frustrated because he wants us to be successful.
"In terms of the decision, it is 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."
‘He should’ve spoken to us first’
Cucurella’s comments covered similar themes. He highlighted the impact of Maresca’s departure on the dressing room and the lack of stability that has surrounded the side during the new year.
The **Spain**left back, who has also enjoyed success on the international front, was formerly a part of the academy of Barcelona, moving to **Eibar**and **Getafe**before signing for **Brighton**in the summer of 2021. He has made clear that he would be open to go back to **LaLiga**at some stage in his career.
"I had a fantastic conversation with Marc yesterday, half an hour in my office. I've been here for less than three months, and I am enjoying it - even the difficult moments. I've told the players from day one that if they have any issues on how we do things, speak to me or sporting directors.
"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."