'Rosenior's first major internal disciplinary issue'
Enzo Fernandez has presented Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior with the first major internal disciplinary issue of his tenure at Stamford Bridge by casting doubt on his Blues future. Rosenior and Chelsea's hierarchy responded by issuing Fernandez with a two‑match internal suspension for "crossing a line". The ban ruled him out of the FA Cup tie against Port Vale and Sunday's Premier League game against Manchester City.
The decision was made by Rosenior alongside co‑sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart, with the backing of influential ownership figures including Behdad Eghbali. Rosenior has sought to offer Fernandez an olive branch and a route forward following the punishment. The midfielder has continued to train with the first‑team squad and, at present, there has been no indication he will be stripped of his leadership role.
After the Port Vale game - which Fernandez watched from behind the Chelsea bench - Rosenior said things are "not what people think" between the two of them. The former Strasbourg, Hull City and Derby County boss has also chosen not to respond publicly to Fernandez's representatives, who have since insisted their client never said he wanted to leave Chelsea or London, nor referenced Real by name. The scrutiny is unlikely to ease and will add another layer of pressure to Fernandez's performances when he returns against Manchester United next weekend.
It is a blow for Chelsea, who are also without Reece James through injury, leaving Andrey Santos or Romeo Lavia likely to step up against City. Read more on Fernandez's suspension