Enzo Fernandez has opened up about his challenging start at Chelsea, revealing that the hefty £106.8 million transfer fee that brought him to Stamford Bridge in January 2023 did not contribute to the difficulties he faced. The Argentine midfielder joined the Blues from Benfica with high expectations, but his journey at Chelsea was far from smooth in the early stages. Fernandez, despite showing flashes of brilliance, struggled to find his best form during his first full season at the club, a period marked by injuries, managerial changes, and an underperforming team.
After an initial promising six months, Fernandez encountered setbacks, missing ten games due to a hernia surgery. The young star had to deal with not only physical issues but also the instability within the club. During the 2023-2024 season, Chelsea underwent several managerial changes, which disrupted the team's rhythm and led to inconsistency on the pitch. This instability and the club’s struggles in various competitions contributed to a tough start for Fernandez.
Reflecting on his time at Chelsea, Fernandez admitted that he was not happy with his performances during that period. "When I arrived, it was very difficult, the first year and a half here: change of coaches, the club wasn't doing well, personal injuries," Fernandez shared in an interview with ESPN. Despite these challenges, he remained determined to stay focused, trying to enjoy his football while not succumbing to the pressure of the expectations surrounding his big-money move.
However, things began to turn around for the 23-year-old midfielder when Enzo Maresca took over as Chelsea's manager. Under Maresca's leadership, Fernandez has rediscovered his form and become a key figure in Chelsea's recent resurgence. In the current Premier League season, Fernandez has been involved in seven goals—three goals and four assists—in just seven matches. His influence has been vital to Chelsea’s attacking play, with only Cole Palmer creating more chances for the club in the Premier League.
Chelsea’s recent unbeaten run in the league, which spans nine matches, has been a testament to Fernandez’s improved performances. The team has won six and drawn three of these games, with Fernandez playing a crucial role in the midfield. He has also made important contributions to Chelsea’s Europa Conference League campaign, registering three assists in two matches, further cementing his importance to the team.
Fernandez credits his resurgence to the guidance of Maresca, who has helped him better understand his position on the field and improve his overall play. "I learned the position in which I had to play," Fernandez explained. "[Maresca] explained to me what he wanted, and I was getting the concept." This clarity in his role has boosted Fernandez’s confidence, allowing him to play with more freedom and conviction.
Looking ahead, Fernandez remains optimistic about Chelsea’s prospects under Maresca’s leadership. He believes that with hard work, humility, and the collective effort of the squad, Chelsea can achieve significant success this season. "The team has shown a very strong character," Fernandez said, emphasizing the collective nature of Chelsea's improvement. He expressed confidence that the team can build on their recent form and continue to climb up the Premier League standings.
Enzo Fernandez’s journey at Chelsea has been a rollercoaster, but his resilience and adaptability have been evident. With a clear understanding of his role and an improved tactical environment under Maresca, Fernandez is well-positioned to become one of Chelsea’s key players in the coming seasons. If Chelsea can maintain their recent form, the future looks promising for both Fernandez and the club as they aim for success on both the domestic and European stages.
