Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has addressed Enzo Fernandez remarking that he was delighted to join a 'big club' upon leaving Chelsea on deadline day.
Enzo Fernandez joined Manchester City from Chelsea for £125M on deadline day
More Videos
The 25-year-old Argentina international completed a British record-equalling £125 million move from Chelsea on deadline day and made his full debut in City's 1-0 Premier League win over Coventry City at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday - in place of the injured Nico O'Reilly.
Fernandez shone in midfield and grabbed a pre-assist for the only goal of the game scored by Erling Haaland, who powered home a thunderous header from Antoine Semenyo's cross after 25 minutes.
Maresca addressed questions on Fernandez after Manchester City's 1-0 Premier League win over Coventry City on Saturday, covering his price tag, his role and his winning mentality.
Don't Judge Players on Their Price-Tag, Says Maresca
Speaking at his post-match press conference, Maresca was asked whether Fernandez could be affected by his £125 million price tag.
"No, if you go a little bit in the past, I already told many times: Don't judge players based on how much the club pays for them, not just for City, for all the clubs. Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham, all the clubs," the former Chelsea manager began.
Enzo Fernandez has spoken publicly for the first time as a Manchester City player, opening up on the emotion of joining the club, his reunion with manager Enzo Maresca and the meaning behind his choice of shirt number.cityxtra.co.uk"I Didn't Hesitate for a Second" - Enzo Fernandez Opens Up on Manchester City Move and Enzo Maresca Reunion
Enzo Fernandez has spoken publicly for the first time as a Manchester City player, opening up on the emotion of joining the club, his reunion with manager Enzo Maresca and the meaning behind his choice of shirt number.
"Don't judge players based on that because for me it's not correct. Enzo is a fantastic player. Again, it's a winner mentality, it's what we need, he's full of energy and this is the most important thing."
On the combative profile of Fernandez alongside fellow top dollar midfield acquisitions Elliot Anderson and Ayyoub Bouaddi, Maresca added: "Yes, also for Elliot, Enzo and Ayyoub Bouaddi, first of all because we knew we needed to change something and also because they are quite young, all of them, so full of energy.
"No doubt that it depends a little bit on the game plan that we have, but no doubt that these three players are going to be main players for us."
Maresca: Chelsea is a Big Club and City is a Big Club
Fernandez made headlines earlier in the week when he said he had "finally joined a big club." Maresca was asked whether he found that amusing.
"No, I think Enzo Fernandez was already in a big club like Chelsea and he's happy to be with us now," the 46-year-old said.
Asked directly whether Fernandez had joined a bigger club, Maresca added: "Again, same answer. I think Chelsea is a big club and City is a big club."
Several members of the Manchester City first-team squad were keenly awaiting the arrival of Enzo Fernandez from Chelsea this summer, manager Enzo Maresca has revealed.cityxtra.co.ukEnzo Maresca Reveals Man City Dressing Room Reaction to Enzo Fernandez Signing
Several members of the Manchester City first-team squad were keenly awaiting the arrival of Enzo Fernandez from Chelsea this summer, manager Enzo Maresca has revealed.
On whether Fernandez would add streetwise-ness to Manchester City's play: "I don't know if it's street-wise but for sure again, he knows how to win and when you want to compete or win it's much more important when you have players who already know how to do that than players who never have done in the past.
"Enzo is not the only one, this squad has many players who know how to win titles, how to compete and this is what we were looking for."
Maresca on How Fernandez Fits in Positionally
Maresca was asked how he sees Fernandez fitting into the system going forward. He said: "Enzo can play as a six or he can play also as number eight, arriving inside the box, it depends a little bit.
"With me at Chelsea he scored lots of goals, arriving from the second line, so it depends a little bit. We are going to use him in different positions."
Pressed on whether Fernandez sits behind Rayan Cherki or Phil Foden in the midfield structure, Maresca added: "Again, I see Enzo as a six, a little bit more deep as I said, or a little bit more higher arriving in the box. Again, depends a little bit what we need for the game and we are going to use him in different positions."
Manchester City forward Erling Haaland has reflected on his profligacy in front of goal in Saturday's 1-0 win over Coventry City.cityxtra.co.ukHaaland Hails Fernandez and Admits to Wastefulness Against Coventry City
Manchester City forward Erling Haaland has reflected on his profligacy in front of goal in Saturday's 1-0 win over Coventry City.