Chelsea discipline Enzo Fernández over remarks, to miss FA Cup and Manchester City matches | OneFootball

Liam Rosenior confirmed Enzo Fernández was disciplined internally after public comments on his future, and will miss the next two games, the FA Cup tie with Port Vale and the Premier League meeting with Manchester City.

The move followed Fernández leaving open the prospect of not continuing after this season and signalling interest in Real Madrid, saying he likes Madrid, finds it similar to Buenos Aires and would live there, according to SuperDepor.com.

The remarks upset the hierarchy and staff amid an inconsistent spell for the club. Rosenior said he had spoken to Fernández earlier and that the decision was made at club level.

The head coach stressed the need to protect a strong internal culture. He called the comments disappointing, praised Fernández’s character, but said a line had been crossed so action was required.

Fernández joined after winning the World Cup in Qatar in a £106.8 million deal and has been linked with a possible exit. Rosenior declined to discuss his future, adding there had been no lack of commitment when he has played.

Staff also underlined respect for the midfielder and his frustration, saying he wants Chelsea to succeed this year and that such aims remain achievable.

His absence arrives at a decisive point as Chelsea chase an FA Cup semi-final spot and push for Champions League qualification while the hierarchy seeks to reinforce standards.

Results have been mixed, with a League Cup semi-final defeat by Arsenal and a Champions League exit to PSG, 8-2 on aggregate. Chelsea are sixth on 48 points, 21 off the leaders and outside European places.

Source: SuperDepor.com