Enzo Fernández Dropped by Chelsea After Real Madrid Comments

Chelsea FC manager Liam Rosenior has omitted Enzo Fernández from the squad for the club’s next two fixtures following comments that fuelled speculation over a potential summer move to Real Madrid.

Fernández initially raised uncertainty about his future after Chelsea’s UEFA Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, stating that he was unsure whether he would remain at the club next season.

The situation escalated after the midfielder admitted in a recent interview that he would “like to live in Spain”, adding that he admired Madrid and found it similar to Buenos Aires.

In response, Rosenior—alongside the club’s hierarchy—has taken disciplinary action, leaving Fernández out of the squad for the FA Cup quarter-final against Port Vale and the upcoming Premier League clash with Manchester City.

Speaking on Friday, Rosenior confirmed the decision:

“I spoke with Enzo earlier today. As a football club, and with my involvement, he will not be available for the next two matches.

“It is disappointing to hear those comments. I have great respect for him as a player and as a person, but a line was crossed in terms of the culture we are trying to build.

“This was a collective decision involving the coaching staff, sporting directors, ownership and players. The door is not closed—it is a sanction. We must protect our standards.”

Chelsea’s recent form has added further context to the situation. The club were heavily beaten by Paris Saint-Germain over two legs in the Champions League, losing 8–2 on aggregate, and also suffered domestic defeats to Newcastle United and Everton FC.

Amid this difficult run, Fernández’s team-mate Marc Cucurella has also drawn attention after hinting at a possible return to Spain in the future. The former FC Barcelona defender admitted it would be “hard to turn down” an offer to return, although he stressed he remains happy at Chelsea.

Rosenior addressed those remarks, suggesting they stem from players’ desire for success rather than discontent.

“The comments from Enzo and Marc come from a place where they want the club to succeed,” he said. “However, in difficult moments, we need greater emotional stability as a group.”

He emphasised that the club’s long-term recruitment strategy will prioritise players capable of maintaining composure under pressure.

Cucurella, however, has not been sanctioned and will remain available for selection. Rosenior described him as “fully committed” and supportive of the club’s direction.

The Chelsea manager also reiterated that he does not question Fernández’s commitment on the pitch, adding that the midfielder’s performances have remained professional despite recent setbacks.

“For me, it is not about speaking on his future. My focus is on the next match and giving ourselves the opportunity to reach the FA Cup semi-finals,” Rosenior concluded.