Enzo Fernandez’s agent has branded Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior’s decision to drop the midfielder as “completely unfair”.
Fernandez will not play in either of Chelsea’s next two matches after the club sanctioned him for comments made during the international break that cast doubt on his Stamford Bridge future.
The 25-year-old has been linked with Real Madrid and fuelled speculation by telling a podcast he would like to live in the Spanish capital.
Rosenior confirmed he would be axed from the team for Saturday’s FA Cup quarter-final against Port Vale and next weekend’s Premier League meeting with Manchester City.
“I spoke with Enzo about an hour ago,” said Rosenior. “As a football club, with me as part of the decision, he won’t be available for tomorrow’s game or Manchester City next Sunday.
“It’s disappointing for Enzo to speak that way. I have got no bad words to say about him, but a line was crossed in terms of our culture and what we want to build.”
However, the issue is not gong to go away quietly after Fernandez’s agent Javier Pastore hit out at the sanction, saying the Argentina international does not understand the decision.
“The punishment is completely unfair,” he told The Athletic. “Banning the player for two matches, which moreover are also absolutely crucial for Chelsea because qualification for the Champions League is at stake and he is one of the team’s most important players.
“Alongside others, of course, but he has proven himself this year to be a leader and a key player, the backbone of this Chelsea side. I think it’s far too harsh given Chelsea’s current situation, and there’s no real reason or justification for why he has been banned.
“Enzo didn’t understand the situation. When the coach told him, he accepted it because he’s a highly professional guy who’s always fully committed wherever he is and respects decisions, but we don’t understand the punishment because he doesn’t mention any club or say he wants to leave Chelsea, far from it. He only mentions Madrid, the city.”
Rosenior revealed no disciplinary action would be taken against Marc Cucurella after he said in an interview with The Athletic that the dismissal of former boss Enzo Maresca in January had destabilised the team.
The Spain defender also appeared to question the club’s recruitment policy, saying: “I understand this is part of the club’s policy and that they want to take this direction – signing young players and looking to the future.
“But, for all of us who want to win big things, moments like this (the 8-2 aggregate defeat to PSG) make you feel discouraged.”
Asked about action that might be taken against Cucurella, Rosenior said: “I had a fantastic conversation with Marc yesterday, half-an-hour in my office.
“My disappointment in Marc’s interview was where it went to. I think he should’ve spoken to us first about how he was feeling.
“I want players to know they can speak openly and honestly for the benefit of the football club. As a football club, we know we need to improve.”
