Chelsea’s downward spiral for the season seems to have arrived at a temporary pause as Chelsea produced a brilliant team effort to overcome Unai Emery’s Aston Villa in a recent matchup, something that has become a rarity of late.
But Enzo Fernandez’s amazing free kick, the celebration that followed, and what it means for Chelsea and him going forward stole the show.
Enzo Fernandez’s agent clarifies transfer rumours
Following the win, Enzo Fernandez’s agent has quashed reports that his client is considering leaving Chelsea, having only arrived in the winter transfer window of the 2022–23 season, in a then club-record £107 million deal.
Enzo has a deal with Chelsea that keeps him at the Stamford Bridge till 2031, but Chelsea’s disappointing form since the sacking of Thomas Tuchel has led to talks of Enzo considering the termination of his contract. There were also criticisms of Enzo not being good enough, as was expected of him in a revamped midfield that cost over 200 million euros to build.
However, Enzo’s agent has reiterated his client’s commitment to the club, saying, “Fernandez’s desire is to be on the team and succeed. We don’t meet with any clubs or try to talk to any clubs. We know what the player’s desire is. Obviously, he would like the club to be in another position, but that will be achieved with work. The player has no intention of leaving.”
All this comes when Chelsea veteran Thiago Silva’s wife, Belle Silva, has indirectly criticized manager Mauricio Pochettino, as the club currently sits just 11 points above the relegation zone.
Pochettino on Enzo Fernandez’s goal celebration
Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino was quick to praise the club’s marquee signing Enzo Fernandez under Todd Boehly, as he believed that the celebration was an answer to the transfer rumours that suggested that Enzo wanted a move away from Chelsea following the club’s miserable form for the last two years.
Talking about the celebration, Pochettino said, “Look, today we are living in an era where it is easy to abuse, you know [when they don’t perform], for the people, for the public people. It’s normal [as] the players are human, not robots, and it’s so easy today to abuse. Today, Enzo showed why he’s here and he showed his quality. But we didn’t have any doubts about him”.
He continued, “He is a world champion player. Look, when he signed one year ago, he arrived after nearly two years with no holidays, no rest, with the pressure, still young, different environment, different language, different culture, a team that needs time to build. All of these types of circumstance, you need time.”
Chelsea will face Leeds United in the 5th round of the FA Cup on February 29.
Can Chelsea go all the way and win the FA Cup this season? Let us know in the comments below!
