Several Chelsea players have reportedly been left unimpressed by the leadership of vice-captain Enzo Fernandez during the club’s recent slump in form.
The Blues have endured a miserable run of four consecutive defeats under head coach Liam Rosenior, who replaced Enzo Maresca in the Stamford Bridge dugout in January.
According to a report in The Telegraph, friction has grown within the dressing room due to Fernandez’s conduct both on and off the pitch.
The Argentina international, a £106.8m signing from Benfica in 2023, has been a vocal presence during recent losses to Newcastle United, Everton, and Paris Saint-Germain, but his approach has allegedly annoyed several of his team-mates.
On-pitch outbursts
Tensions were visible during the recent Champions League exit to PSG, where Fernandez was seen berating goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen following a defensive error. It was a difficult night for the Blues, who were eliminated from Europe following an 8-2 aggregate defeat.
While some fans have defended the midfielder’s passion, it is understood that a number of squad members are unhappy with the public nature of his frustrations at a time when the team is attempting to stay united to secure a top-five Premier League finish.
Real Madrid links
The 25-year-old’s standing with his peers has been further damaged by recent interviews in which he appeared to flirt with a move to Real Madrid. When asked about his long-term future at Chelsea following the European exit, Fernandez told ESPN Argentina: “I don’t know – there are eight games left and the FA Cup. There’s the World Cup and then we’ll see.”
The midfielder later suggested he “really likes Madrid” and compared the Spanish capital to his hometown of Buenos Aires during an online stream.
Mikel’s criticism
The comments have drawn a stinging rebuke from former Chelsea star John Obi Mikel. Speaking on The Obi One Podcast, the former Blues Champions League winner insisted that players should not view the club as a “stepping stone.”
“If your heart is already in Madrid, you shouldn’t wear the blue jersey,” Mikel said. “At Chelsea, we played for the badge, not for a future transfer.”
With club captain Reece James currently sidelined with a hamstring injury, Fernandez has continued to wear the armband in recent matches despite the growing uncertainty surrounding his commitment to the club.