Enzo Fernandez started again in Chelsea’s 2-0 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion on Tuesday night.
It was his second successive start for Chelsea following a club-enforced suspension, which was handed to him after comments he made in a couple of interviews.
Fernandez made his return to the starting line-up in the Blues’ 1-0 loss to Manchester United last weekend. It could not prevent them from losing that match, and it was the same story against Brighton.
What have you made of Liam Rosenior’s new system against Brighton so far? 🤔
It's been a dreadful opening half an hour!
Chelsea coach Liam Rosenior reacts at full-time following the Premier League match between Everton and Chelsea
Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images
Enzo Fernandez tried to encourage Chelsea teammates after going a goal down
After listening to what he had to say in those interviews, Fernandez is clearly not settled at Stamford Bridge.
Even so, it does not look like the midfielder’s head is completely gone yet. In fact, Fernandez is one of few Chelsea players who is showing that he still cares.
According to Sky Sports journalist Chris Reidy, there was not much talking among the Chelsea players after Brighton scored their opener.
Three minutes into the game, and it seemed as though Liam Rosenior’s side had already given up. Fernandez, however, clapped his hands and tried to encourage his teammates.
Before the match, Gary Neville gave a brutal assessment of Chelsea, claiming that they looked beaten in every game that he has watched them play in lately.
At this stage, you cannot blame Fernandez for wanting to leave west London, though Chelsea’s critics are likely to argue that he is part of the problem.
Whatever the case, the 25-year-old is still one of the best midfielders in the Premier League and will want to play in the Champions League next season. His agent has already confirmed that.
With that in mind, if Real Madrid come calling, the Argentina international is very unlikely to say no. His contract does not expire until 2032, though, so there is no real pressure for Chelsea to sell him. But can they afford to keep a player who is not happy? Probably not.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox