Chelsea have imposed a two-match internal suspension on vice-captain Enzo Fernández following a controversial interview, ruling him out of the FA Cup clash against Port Vale and the upcoming Premier League fixture against Manchester City.
Interestingly, Marc Cucurella—who also publicly criticized the club—has avoided punishment, sparking debate over inconsistent handling.
The Enzo controversy
After Chelsea’s heavy defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, Enzo made several remarks:
- Hinting at a possible departure
- Fueling links with Real Madrid
- Criticizing the club’s managerial decisions
Head coach Liam Rosenior confirmed disciplinary action, stressing the importance of club values and internal discipline.
Why no punishment for Cucurella?
Cucurella also voiced strong opinions, questioning recruitment strategy and expressing frustration over results. However, the club opted for internal dialogue rather than sanctions.
Rosenior revealed he held a direct, constructive meeting with the player, emphasizing internal communication over public criticism.
Root cause: poor results
Chelsea’s recent slump—featuring a heavy Champions League loss and consecutive league defeats—has intensified pressure and triggered emotional reactions within the squad.
Rosenior described the past 10 days as the darkest period of his coaching career.
Outlook
While disciplinary action has been taken, the club has not closed the door on Enzo. However, the incident highlights deeper tensions and raises questions about squad unity moving forward.
