Chelsea divided the fanbase with their decision to suspend Enzo Fernandez for two games for his remarks. It comes at a vital point in the season, when the Blues are struggling to finish in the Champions League spots. Making a point might have been important after his remarks, but it should not come at the cost of a spot in Europe’s top competition next season.
Fernandez has been heavily linked with a move away from Chelsea in recent times. And the Argentine has done nothing to make sure those rumours go away.
On the other hand, he recently mentioned how he would like to live in Madrid someday. At a time when he is being linked with a move to Santiago Bernabeu, that comment might not have been the best idea. The timing surely is questionable.
Of course, Fernandez will be missed against Manchester City. Chelsea have struggled against big teams in the Premier League throughout the BlueCo era. And leaving out one of their key midfielders for the fixture puts them at an added disadvatage.
Chelsea make another questionable Enzo Fernandez decision after his two-game ban
Unfortunately, that might not be the end of the club’s questionable decisions when it comes to Fernandez. On the contrary, it will only cause further discussion regarding the need for this two-game ban.
According to a report from Jacob Steinberg in The Guardian, Chelsea are open to Fernandez captaining the side again this season. Club sources have also made it clear that the Argentine midfielder remains part of the leadership group. The Blues are assessing his response to his sanction. They hope that the 25-year-old midfielder puts himself in a position to captain the team again.
Questions over necessity of Enzo Fernandez’s ban after decision
This raises further questions about the necessity for the ban, especially for the Manchester City game. The fact that Fernandez can still captain the side moving forward gives us a clear picture of his standing.
This could have very easily been a one-game ban. Chelsea did not really need Fernandez against Port Vale, as the 7-0 result is proof of. But that won’t be the case against Manchester City. He is not only a calming presence in midfield but one of the club’s most reliable contributors in front of goal as well. We all know about Liam Rosenior’s struggles with finding the back of the net.
Also, should Fernandez be captaining Chelsea anymore? His recent actions suggest he might already have one foot out of the door. Should someone like that be given the armband?
