Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has defended his decision to give Enzo Fernandez the captain's armband during Chelsea's pre-season friendly against Real Madrid, saying it is “pretty clear” that he is respected in the team.
The midfielder got the job despite the racist scandal that arose after his Copa America victory with Argentina.
The 23-year-old captained his side in the second half of Chelsea's 2-1 defeat to Real Madrid, replacing Reece James, who had previously said Fernandez could cause a “problem” within the Chelsea camp.
During the celebrations following Argentina's Copa America victory, Fernández posted a video in which the midfielder, along with several other players, sang a racist and derogatory chant about the heritage of some French players.
Chelsea defender and teammate Wesley Fofana called the video “unbridled racism” and the club issued a statement condemning Fernandez's actions.
The Argentine has since apologised for the video and Maresca defended Fernandez's actions, saying he had “no bad intentions”.
Following the decision to give the captaincy to Fernández, Maresca said: “He is one of the important players.
“To be honest, I think when we changed Reece, he gave him the armband. [captain armband] “Enzo and that shows that he is respected in the team. I think that's pretty clear.”
Asked if he felt team spirit could be affected by the fallout from the Fernandez controversy, Maresca said: “I don't think so, to be honest.
“I spoke to Enzo, but as I said, I spoke to everyone. The situation is quite clear. He already made a statement apologising, the club did the same.”
Chelsea will play Inter Milan on Sunday in their final pre-season friendly before opening their 2024-25 Premier League campaign against Manchester City.
