23-years-old Chelsea star admits he’s the reason for ‘Chelsea poor run’ and says Mauricio Pochettino fixed squad ‘mess’
Enzo Fernandez acknowledges that by playing through injuries this season, he was “harming” Chelsea’s performances. He also applauded Mauricio Pochettino for “giving order and identity” to the team.
Due to a hernia, Argentina’s World Cup winner needed to take painkillers intravenously for the majority of this season. Following surgery last month, he will now miss the remainder of the campaign.
Just over a year ago, Fernandez signed a £106.8 million contract to join Chelsea from Benfica, and the midfielder has credited Pochettino with being instrumental in fostering better unity within the team.
‘When I arrived, it was quite a mess, there were many players,’ Fernandez said in an interview with DSports.
‘Mauricio gave order and an identity to the team. The work ethic is different. He changed everything, and the truth is it’s positive.
‘The team is more serious and hard-working. That’s important for day-to-day, and when the weekend comes, you can see the difference.’
Fernandez is now targeting a return from injury for Argentina’s Copa America campaign, which begins against Canada on June 20.
‘I was playing with pain and injections for eight months,’ Fernandez said.
‘I had to make the decision to have surgery, it was the best. I was harming the team and didn’t want to expose myself.
‘I’m fine, people can relax. I’m getting better day by day, and I’m eager for the Copa America to arrive.
‘I’ve already started training on the pitch, the recovery is advanced, and I hope to be training with the national team soon.
‘I’m very excited for this Copa America, it will be the first time I play in it.’