Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior delivered a blistering response to Enzo Fernández after the club’s 7–0 demolition of Port Vale in the League Cup quarter-finals.
The Argentine midfielder, a €120 million record signing, was suspended and watched from the stands following recent comments in which he praised Madrid’s food, lifestyle, and expressed a desire to live in Spain. His agent had since complained to the media about his client’s treatment.
“We just scored seven goals without our €120 million midfielder, and honestly, the fluidity on the pitch spoke for itself,” Rosenior said after the match. “His agent can complain to the media all he wants, but my job is to protect this football club. Enzo wants to do podcasts talking about how much he loves the food and the lifestyle in Madrid? That’s fine. He can sit up there in the stands, smile for the cameras, and think about his favorite restaurants in Spain.”
Rosenior, the 41-year-old former right-back turned Chelsea manager, made it clear that commitment to the club is non-negotiable. “The players on the grass tonight proved they bleed blue. In my squad, you either respect the badge, or you can pack your bags. We don’t need tourists in London.”
Chelsea’s win featured goals from J. Hato, J. Pedro, an own goal from Lawrence-Gabriel, T. Adarabioyo, A. Santos, Estêvão, and a stoppage-time penalty from A. Garnacho. Fernández has been dropped from the squad indefinitely as Rosenior looks to maintain discipline and unity in his title-chasing side.