Enzo Fernandez comments ‘we’ll see’ regarding Chelsea future following defeat.
LONDON — Enzo Fernández raised questions about his future at Chelsea shortly after the Blues were eliminated from the Champions League on Tuesday by Paris Saint-Germain.
Goals from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Bradley Barcola, and Senny Mayulu led to Chelsea’s 3-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge, resulting in an 8-2 aggregate loss—matching the club’s worst European defeat in history.
Fernandez, who serves as Chelsea’s vice-captain, took charge of the team in the absence of captain Reece James, who was sidelined due to injury during the match against PSG.
The 25-year-old, who transferred from Benfica in a £106 million ($141 million) deal in February 2023, is contracted until 2032. However, when asked if he could assure his presence at Chelsea next season, Fernandez told ESPN Argentina: “I don’t know. My focus is here for now. We have eight Premier League matches to play and the FA Cup. Then, the World Cup coming up so we’ll see after that.”
Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior responded: “Firstly, I haven’t seen that. It’s hard for me to comment on speculation after a game, and I need to concentrate on the most important things, which is ensuring we get a result against Everton on Saturday.”
Fernandez’s remarks added to a disappointing evening for Chelsea, who faced boos from the crowd at halftime and full-time.
“I think we failed to control the game. In the first leg, we lost focus in the final 15 minutes and conceded three goals, and here it happened at the very start,” Fernandez stated regarding Chelsea’s performance. “At this level, you can’t concede two goals so quickly due to small details. Ultimately, over the two legs, PSG were the superior side and deserve to advance.”
“Since I arrived at Chelsea, we have encountered similar situations and managed to turn them around. Now, our focus must be on winning the FA Cup and achieving our goal of qualifying for next season’s Champions League.”
Rosenior also faced criticism from some fans when he substituted Fernandez, Cole Palmer, and João Pedro just before the hour mark while trailing 2-0.
When asked about the atmosphere in the stadium, Rosenior remarked: “I think it’s a two-way street. This is a fantastic football club where the fans expect immediate success, and that’s justified given the club’s stature.”
“I understand why fans are frustrated due to the aggregate scoreline in the tie. They want us to win. So, I completely get it and I was aware of that before I came in. I also want to make them happy and provide them with the nights they deserve. Not just me, but us as a group, as a team.”
“That was a really, really difficult one to accept because of the manner in which we exited this evening.”
In addition to their Champions League exit, Chelsea currently sits outside the top five in the Premier League, although they are just one point behind Liverpool in fifth place and two points behind Aston Villa in fourth.
“We need to learn at the highest level to be clinical and ensure we keep the back door shut,” Rosenior added. “We’ve done neither over the two legs, and that’s why we’re out of the competition.”
ESPN Argentina’s Moises Llorens contributed to this report.
