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Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior stressed that he has a strong bond with "top, top guy" Enzo Fernández, cryptically hinting that "things aren't what people maybe think they are."
Rosenior confirmed on Friday that Fernández would be left out of the next two fixtures as a disciplinary measure following comments about his future at Chelsea and reported interest from Spanish heavyweights Real Madrid.
The English tactician was keen to emphasize that he was not the primary force behind a "joint decision" to discipline Fernández ahead of Chelsea's FA Cup clash with Port Vale. Following the emphatic 7–0 victory, with the smiling midfielder watching from the bench, Rosenior once again adopted a protective tone toward his vocal star.
"I made it really clear yesterday what I think of him as a person. He's a top, top guy," Rosenior said warmly.
"At the right time, in the right moment—which isn't now, given everything we've been through—I'm sure the conversation will take place about what's been said between me and Enzo. Enzo and I are in a very good place. I saw him today, had a really good one-to-one chat with him, and things aren't what people maybe think they are."
Rosenior Responds to Backlash From Fernandez's Agent
Shortly after news of Fernández's ban broke on Friday morning, the player's representative, former Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Javier Pastore, came out publicly in defense of his client. The retired Argentina international claimed he had received "no real reason or justification" for a sanction he described as "far too harsh."
Pastore's grievances centered on specific remarks Fernández made during one particular interview. When asked about his ideal city to live in outside of London, the Argentine responded: "I'd like to live in Spain, I really like Madrid; it reminds me of Buenos Aires. Players live where they want. I'd live in Madrid. I get by in English, but I'd be more comfortable in Spanish."
Referring directly to those remarks, Pastore stated: "He only mentions Madrid, the city, because he was asked which European city he'd like to live in one day, and he said Madrid because of the language, because it's similar to Buenos Aires and because it's logical—it's only natural for an Argentine to say that—and also because of the culture, the weather ... but at no point does he say he wants to leave Chelsea or London."
Nevertheless, Fernández had also left the door ajar to a potential summer move when directly asked about Real Madrid, the club, in separate interviews over recent weeks.
Rosenior showed little patience for Pastore's response.
"That's his opinion," Chelsea's manager said dismissively. "I don't have anything to say on someone else's opinion. Enzo knows what I think of him and it was great to see him here supporting the players today."
Chelsea's New Leader in Fernandez's Absence
By benching Fernández, Rosenior had deprived himself not only of the squad's second-highest scorer and top assist maker, but also Chelsea's vice captain. With first-choice skipper Reece James still sidelined through injury rather than misconduct, Rosenior needed to name a new leader. He opted for the quietly confident Cole Palmer.
"I think it's a natural step for Cole at this stage of his career," Chelsea's manager said enthusiastically. "He demonstrates leadership. There are different types of leadership. You have players who talk, who organize.
"What Cole does and where he leads is he's so brave and he'll take the ball on the pitch. And if he makes a mistake, he'll take the ball and be positive again. That reflects what I want in this team. I felt Cole led the team magnificently in the game today."
Rosenior also praised Palmer's impressive work rate off the ball against the side anchored to the bottom of England's third tier. "If you watch the game today with Cole or with João [Pedro], they're tracking back, they're chasing back into their own box. Pedro was making tackles in his own box.
"You have to go back to basics. I felt the players in terms of the fundamentals of the game today were very, very good and Cole led by example."