Enzo Fernandez is now halfway through his two-game ban after watching on from the sidelines during Chelsea’s 7-0 win over Port Vale – and Gary Lineker has given his verdict on the situation.
Liam Rosenior has enforced a two-game ban for Enzo Fernandez after flirting with Real Madrid during the international break. It all started with Fernandez’s comments after the second-leg defeat to PSG.
He opened the door to an exit and then, with Argentina, Fernandez said he would like to live in Madrid. It comes at the same time as some reports suggesting Fernandez would love to move to Valdebebas.
Fernandez has been disciplined and was watching on from the Chelsea dugout as the Blues dismantled Port Vale on Saturday evening. Marc Cucurella, despite his comments about Barcelona, was a substitute.
Enzo Fernandez and Marc Cucurella’s first sighting after the Chelsea comments 👀
Anything to take away from this?
Chelsea v Port Vale - Emirates FA Cup Quarter Final
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On Monday morning, The Rest Is Football‘s Gary Lineker and Micah Richards weighed in on the situation. Chelsea, meanwhile, have drawn Leeds United in the FA Cup semi-finals after winning 7-0.
Gary Lineker and Micah Richards disagree over Enzo treatment
The reaction to Rosenior’s decision to ban Fernandez for two games has been mixed. Some feel that the midfielder crossed the line, and Rosenior has shown leadership and discipline in banning Fernandez.
Others feel that Fernandez didn’t actually do a lot wrong, simply saying he wanted to live in Madrid. But perhaps the context should be taken into account, and it is clear that Fernandez knew what he was doing.
Lineker believes the punishment on Fernandez was harsh: “I thought that was slightly odd. I don’t think he said anything particularly bad or detrimental to Chelsea. He basically said he’d just like to live in Madrid.
“Cucurella said something similar and didn’t get punished at all. We saw Rodri say… who wouldn’t want to play for Madrid? To give him a two-game ban for it. Fine him if you want, keep it in-house.
Enzo Fernandez of Chelsea
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“I don’t see how it helps you. I just thought it was odd. How Pep handled Rodri – and I know he’s more experienced. It’s not an easy situation, especially for a young manager,” Lineker said on the situation.
But Richards disagreed with Lineker. He felt the comments deserved punishment and Rosenior needed to show leadership, making an example of one of his most senior, and best players in the World Cup winner.
But, Richards thinks a one-game ban would have sufficed, especially with Man City up next: “Rosenior had to do it, you know. With all the pressure he’s been under recently, and players coming out and saying this.
“It looks weak as a manager if you don’t say anything. I’d have left him out of Port Vale and brought him back for Man City. They need Enzo; he’s one of their best players. But he had to say something.”
How will Chelsea line up in midfield against Man City on Sunday
Having ended a run of four straight defeats with an emphatic 7-0 win over Vale, Chelsea now return to Premier League action. Seven games remain, with the aim clear: Champions League qualification.
Would you get rid of Enzo Fernandez this summer?🤔
Give your reason!
Everton v Chelsea - Premier League
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A place in the top five will get Chelsea into Europe’s elite competition, and the Blues sit a point behind Liverpool. But Chelsea’s run of fixtures is daunting, starting with City on Sunday, and then Man United.
With Reece James injured and Fernandez banned, Chelsea are limited in terms of options come the end of the week. Moises Caicedo obviously starts, and whoever partners him is a straight shootout between two.
Andrey Santos has been consistently used by Rosenior after the Brazilian starred under the Blues gaffer in France. But Romeo Lavia has started the last two games against Everton and Vale. A big decision, then.
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