Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca recently made headlines for his decision to give Enzo Fernández the captain’s armband during a preseason friendly with Real Madrid. Despite the racist scandal that emerged following Fernández’s Copa América win with Argentina, Maresca defended his choice by stating that Fernández is respected within the squad. This move sparked controversy, especially after Fernández was seen singing a racist and derogatory chant about the heritage of some France players during Argentina’s Copa América victory celebrations.
Maresca stood by his decision and praised Fernández as one of the important players in the team. He mentioned that when Fernández took over the captaincy from Reece James during the game against Real Madrid, it was a clear display of the respect he commands among his teammates. Despite the backlash and condemnation from both fans and teammates, Maresca maintained that Fernández had no bad intentions with his actions.
When questioned about the potential impact of Fernández’s controversy on team spirit, Maresca expressed confidence that it would not affect the squad. He emphasized that he had spoken with all the players, including Fernández, and that the situation was clear. Fernández had already issued an apology for his behavior, and the club had released a statement condemning his actions. Maresca reiterated his belief in the solidarity and unity of the team despite the external scrutiny.
Chelsea is set to face Inter Milan in their final preseason friendly before kicking off the 2024-25 Premier League season against Manchester City. The spotlight will undoubtedly remain on Fernández as he continues to navigate the aftermath of his controversy. Maresca’s decision to stand by Fernández and entrust him with the captaincy reflects a willingness to support his players through challenging times while maintaining a united front as they prepare for the upcoming season. The team’s resilience and ability to move past distractions will be put to the test as they aim for success on the pitch.