Chelsea hosts League One’s bottom club at Stamford Bridge, presenting a prime opportunity to snap a four-game losing streak across all competitions—the first since May 2023.
Chelsea’s Tough Run Continues
Manager Liam Rosenior describes the past 10 days as the most challenging of his career as both player and coach. The Blues suffered an 8-2 aggregate humiliation to Champions League holders Paris Saint-Germain in the last 16, including a 5-2 away loss after a second-half meltdown and a 3-0 home defeat. Sandwiched between those was a 1-0 Premier League defeat to Newcastle at Stamford Bridge, highlighted by a strange pre-match huddle. Chelsea capped the slump with a 3-0 loss at Everton before the international break, leaving them sixth and six points behind the top four with seven games left. Champions League qualification next season hangs in the balance.
Fernandez Sidelined for Key Matches
Enzo Fernandez, the Argentine vice-captain standing in for injured Reece James, faces backlash from the club and supporters over comments made during the international break. He initially questioned the January dismissal of predecessor Enzo Maresca.
In a recent interview, Fernandez cast uncertainty on his Chelsea future when asked about staying next season: “I don’t know. Right now I’m focused on here, then there’s the World Cup, and we’ll see.”
He added to the same outlet: “Right now I’m focused on Chelsea, we’ll see after the World Cup,” while confirming no discussions with Real Madrid—where he remains a prime summer target. Fernandez expressed admiration for Spain, stating, “I’d like to live in Spain, I really like Madrid; it reminds me of Buenos Aires.” He noted, “Players live where they want. I’d live in Madrid. I get by in English, but I’d be more comfortable in Spanish.”
Chelsea responds by dropping Fernandez for the FA Cup quarter-final against Port Vale and the Premier League clash with title contenders Manchester City next weekend. He returns for the April 18 home game against Manchester United.
Rosenior Addresses the Decision
Ahead of the Port Vale match, Rosenior revealed: “We spoke with Enzo an hour ago. As a football club, with me as part of that process, we’ve made a decision.”
“He won’t be available for tomorrow’s game and he won’t be available for Manchester City on Sunday. I think for Enzo, it’s disappointing to speak in that way.”
Rosenior praised Fernandez’s character: “What I will say about Enzo is in terms of him as a character, as a person, I’ve got no bad words to say about him.” However, he emphasized s: “But I think a line was crossed in terms of our culture and what we want to build. So we had to make a sanction and that was a decision we’ve made.”
Marc Cucurella escapes similar punishment and remains available against Port Vale. Despite admitting in a press conference before Spain’s friendly against Egypt that rejecting Barcelona would be “difficult” and voicing disagreement over Maresca’s exit, he faces no internal action.
