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Enzo was handed the captain's armband by Reece James during Chelsea's loss to Real Madrid
Enzo Fernandez is set to be Chelsea's vice-captain despite recent controversy involving racism allegations.
The Argentine midfielder, who has been under the spotlight following a video he posted that featured a racist and homophobic song sung by Argentina players after their Copa America victory, continues to face scrutiny.
Despite this, he has received a significant leadership role at Stamford Bridge.
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During Chelsea’s pre-season clash against Real Madrid in North Carolina, Fernandez was handed the captain's armband by Reece James during the second half of the 2-1 defeat.
This gesture has sparked discussions about the midfielder's standing within the team, especially given the ongoing FIFA investigation into the allegations.
Fernandez’s appointment as vice-captain has stirred mixed reactions. The controversy surrounding his recent actions had created tension within the squad, particularly among French players who were affected by the video.
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However, Chelsea's interim manager, Enzo Maresca, has emphasized that Fernandez remains a respected figure in the dressing room.
Maresca, who will oversee Chelsea's campaign until a permanent manager is appointed, stated, “Enzo is one of the important players in the squad. When Reece was substituted, he gave the armband to Enzo, which indicates the level of respect he commands among the team. This shows how much he is valued and how integral he is to our plans.”
Despite the leadership endorsement, Chelsea’s pre-season has been marked by defensive frailties.
The team has conceded 12 goals in five matches, with concerns raised about the high defensive line favored by the previous management under Mauricio Pochettino.
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Maresca has highlighted these issues, calling for a more disciplined defensive approach and a shift to a deeper defensive line to address the vulnerabilities exposed in their recent matches.
“Our defensive issues have been a focal point in our recent meetings,” Maresca said. “The patterns are in place for attacking play, and we have created chances, but defensively, there is room for improvement. It’s a collective responsibility, not just the backline but the entire team.”
While Chelsea prepares for the new season, Fernandez’s role as vice-captain will be closely watched.
His leadership on and off the pitch will be crucial for a team looking to rebound from a challenging pre-season and address both on-field and off-field concerns.
The controversy surrounding him has certainly added an extra layer of scrutiny to his new role, making his performance and behavior in the coming months even more pivotal.
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