Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has stood by his choice to appoint Enzo Fernández as captain, despite the controversy surrounding the midfielder's past actions. Fernández, who recently came under fire for a video containing an alleged racist chant, led Chelsea in their Premier League opener against Manchester City.
The 22-year-old Fernández, who participated in the Premier League's anti-discrimination campaign by taking a knee before the match, had previously issued an apology for a video in which he made derogatory remarks about the heritage of some France players. This incident had sparked criticism, with teammate Wesley Fofana condemning the video as 'uninhibited racism.'
Despite the backlash, Chelsea's internal investigation has been concluded, with FIFA continuing to look into the matter. Maresca defended his decision to make Fernández captain, emphasizing that the midfielder is not the sole captain of the team, with Reece James and others also holding leadership roles.
Maresca highlighted that Fernández had been recognized by his teammates as a captain during pre-season matches when James was absent. The coach acknowledged that everyone makes mistakes and praised Fernández for owning up to his error and showing remorse.
Maresca emphasized the importance of acknowledging and learning from mistakes, stating that Fernández's willingness to admit his wrongdoing should not result in lifelong punishment. The coach expressed his support for Fernández, describing him as a valuable member of the team and a reference point for his teammates.
In conclusion, Maresca reiterated that Fernández had acknowledged his mistake, and in his view, had taken the necessary steps to address it. The coach's decision to entrust Fernández with the captain's armband reflects his belief in the midfielder's character and ability to learn from past missteps.
