'Of course we are': Enzo Fernandez declares Chelsea Premier League title contenders

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Evening Standard

·1 December 2025

'Of course we are': Enzo Fernandez declares Chelsea Premier League title contenders

Argentine wants to build on Conference League and Club World Cup wins

Enzo Fernandez believes Chelsea are genuine contenders for the Premier League title this season.

The Argentine played the full ninety minutes as ten-man Chelsea drew 1-1 with league leaders Arsenal on Sunday, leaving them third in the table and solidifying their credentials as challengers for the top spot. The result leaves them six points adrift of the summit with 13 matches played.

After helping Chelsea to secure both Conference League and Club World Cup honours last season, he insisted that Chelsea are capable of delivering both domestic and continental silverware again this season, but acknowledged that may be easier said than done.

“Of course we are [title contenders],” Fernandez told GiveMeSport. “This season, there are many contenders: Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United. All the teams are battling towards the top.

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“There are some very strong Premier League sides. Arsenal have also been doing really well for many years. And Liverpool are a great side. I’m not going to choose one because they’re all good.

“And we know the Champions League is very tough. We’ll try to reach the final, which is what we deserve as a club. We’ve been doing well, so we’re capable of being right up there.”

Enzo Fernandez has four Premier League goals so far this campaign

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Fernandez went on, adding that Chelsea’s steady improvement has only accelerated under the guidance of Enzo Maresca, particularly since the halfway stage of last season.

He continued: “I think last season was the first year in which we’ve really seen what the Chelsea project is about.

“I’m very pleased with what we achieved last season, but we aren’t settling for that as we want to keep competing at the highest level and fighting for the Premier League and Champions League, so I think we’re on the right path.

“Maresca has brought a clear identity, which is helping us get results on the pitch. As a consequence, things are easier now on a daily basis. He’s helped friendships within the squad grow. I’d single out the way he guides us and teaches us every day in training, which is wonderful for the squad.

“From January onwards last season, everything started clicking. We ended the season very well by qualifying for the Champions League and winning the Conference League.”