Enzo Fernandez has become the first senior player to spark a public disciplinary row under Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior. The 25-year-old Argentina midfielder created controversy after being filmed at Buenos Aires airport and making later remarks suggesting he would like — and then would love — to live in Madrid, while praising former Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos. Those comments raised questions about his commitment to Chelsea and prompted action from the club.
Chelsea’s leadership — Rosenior, co-sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart, and owner Behdad Eghbali — imposed a two-match internal suspension, ruling Fernandez had “crossed a line.” The ban kept him out of the FA Cup tie at Port Vale and the Premier League trip to Manchester City. Rosenior, who took charge in January following Enzo Maresca’s exit, faced an early test of authority amid a difficult run that included a 3-0 loss to Everton and a heavy Champions League aggregate defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.
The club’s response also reflected growing unrest among supporters after public comments by senior players about recruitment and the squad’s direction. Defender Marc Cucurella and vice-captain Fer
