Chelsea supervisor Enzo Maresca has defended his determination to offer Enzo Fernández the captain’s armband throughout Chelsea’s preseason pleasant with Actual Madrid, saying it’s “fairly clear” he’s revered within the squad.
The midfielder was given the function regardless of the racist scandal that emerged following his Copa América win with Argentina.
The 23-year-old captained his aspect within the second half of Chelsea’s 2-1 defeat to Actual Madrid, taking on from Reece James who had beforehand stated Fernández may trigger a “downside” throughout the Chelsea camp.
In the course of the celebrations of Argentina’s Copa América victory Fernández posted a video wherein the midfielder, together with a number of different gamers, sang a racist and derogatory chant in regards to the heritage of some France gamers.
Chelsea defender and teammate Wesley Fofana branded the video as “uninhibited racism” and the membership issued a press release condemning Fernández’s actions.
The Argentinean has since apologised for the video and Maresca has defended Fernández’ actions saying he had “no dangerous intentions.”
Following the choice to offer Fernández the captaincy, Maresca stated: “He is one of many necessary gamers.
“To be sincere, I believe after we modified Reece, he gave the bracelet [captain armband] to Enzo and this exhibits how Enzo is revered contained in the squad. I believe it is fairly clear.”
When requested if he felt staff spirit could possibly be affected by the fallout from Fernández’s controversy, Maresca stated: “I do not assume so to be sincere.
“I spoke with Enzo however as I stated, I spoke with all of them. The state of affairs is kind of clear. He did already a press release apologising, the membership did the identical so.”
Chelsea play Inter Milan on Sunday of their remaining preseason pleasant earlier than opening their 2024-25 Premier League season towards Manchester Metropolis.
