Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has received criticism for appointing Enzo Fernández as the captain during a preseason friendly against Real Madrid. Despite the racist scandal that surrounded Fernández following his Copa América win with Argentina, Maresca stands by his decision. He defended the midfielder by stating that Fernández is respected within the squad, as evidenced by his appointment as captain during the match.
The controversy stems from a video in which Fernández and other players sang a racist and derogatory chant about the heritage of some France players during the celebrations of Argentina’s Copa América victory. This led to condemnation from Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana and the club itself. However, Fernández has since issued an apology for his actions, claiming that he had “no bad intentions” with the video.
Despite the fallout from Fernández’s controversy, Maresca remains confident that team spirit within the squad will not be affected. He emphasized that he had spoken to Fernández and all the players involved, and believes that the situation is clear following the player’s apology and the club’s statement. Maresca is hopeful that the unity within the team will prevail despite the external scrutiny.
Chelsea is set to face Inter Milan in their final preseason friendly before kicking off their 2024-25 Premier League season against Manchester City. The decision to make Fernández captain during the Real Madrid friendly has sparked debate among fans and pundits alike. It remains to be seen how this controversy will impact the team’s performance moving forward.
The decision to appoint Enzo Fernández as captain in the midst of his racist scandal has ignited controversy within the Chelsea camp. Manager Enzo Maresca’s defense of his choice highlights the internal dynamics at play, as well as the challenges of managing a diverse and high-profile team. The upcoming matches will undoubtedly be scrutinized for any signs of discord or unity within the squad.
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