Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez has been handed a two-match suspension by the club after appearing to express interest in a potential move to European rivals Real Madrid during the international break.
Head coach Liam Rosenior confirmed that Fernandez will miss Chelsea’s FA Cup quarter-final against Port Vale on Saturday, as well as the upcoming Premier League clash with Manchester City on Sunday.
Rosenior explained that no action will be taken against Marc Cucurella, who spoke critically of the club’s recruitment strategy and questioned Enzo Maresca’s departure in a recent interview.
“It’s disappointing for Enzo to speak in that way,” Rosenior said. “I have nothing negative to say about him personally, but a line was crossed in terms of our culture and what we want to build. As a person, player, and character, I have the utmost respect for him. His frustration comes from wanting us to succeed.
“The decision wasn’t just mine or the sporting directors’. The ownership, the players—we are all aligned. The door is not closed on Enzo; this is a sanction to protect the club’s culture.”
Rosenior also added that he spent 30 minutes speaking with Cucurella on Thursday and believes the Spanish international remains “fully committed” to Chelsea.
Since Rosenior took charge in January, Chelsea have won 10 of 19 games, drawing two and losing seven. The team currently sits sixth in the Premier League, six points behind fourth-placed Aston Villa, as they chase a Champions League spot.