Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has risked upsetting his entire squad after allowing Enzo Fernandez to take on captain duties during his side’s pre-season friendly defeat to Real Madrid in North Carolina. Argentina international Fernandez was forced to apologise for his involvement in a racist chant after his country had clinched the Copa America title last month.
Chelsea stumped up a British record £107million to prise Fernandez away from Benfica at the start of 2023 after the midfield genius had starred at the World Cup weeks earlier.
And he has become an important player for the Blues, with the ace starting 26 Premier League matches last season despite being struck with a number of injury issues.
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After Argentina had overcome Colombia in the Copa America final, Fernandez livestreamed a video to Instagram which featured some players singing a derogatory song about France’s black players.
He was called out by Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana, who accused the video as “uninhibited racism”, with Blues captain Reece James later telling ESPN: “There's always the factor where it doesn't sit right with people when there could be a problem.”
But Fernandez appears to be one of Chelsea’s vice-captains this season after he was handed the captain’s armband by James when the England defender was substituted during the clash with Real.
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Following the match, Maresca then defended Fernandez as he explained: “He's one of the important players. To be honest, I think when we changed Reece he gave the 'bracelet' to Enzo and this shows how Enzo is respected inside the squad. I think it's quite clear.”
And after Chelsea had concluded an internal investigation into Fernandez’s behaviour and opted against taking any further action at the end of last month, the Italian manager said: “We all feel very comfortable and good.
“Enzo Fernandez is back. He had a chat with us and he just clarified that there was not any bad intention.
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“The meeting was between me, Enzo and some of the other players. Wes (Fofana) was there, to clarify the situation.
“There is no mystery behind it - we all make mistakes and sometimes have to apologise. Enzo apologised four or five times. The lads already accepted it.
“Since yesterday's session and last night, everything was like before. They were all together, speaking and laughing - a normal situation. It was exactly what I expected as I know there is not any bad intention and they are all good people.”
