Pochettino gives his honest say on Enzo Fernandez’s celebration in Chelsea vs Aston Villa

Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino talks about Enzo Fernandez celebration against Aston Villa

In the aftermath of Enzo Fernandez’s remarkable free-kick goal against Aston Villa, Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino provided insight into the broader context surrounding the player’s celebration. Fernandez’s stunning strike, reminiscent of Lionel Messi’s memorable free-kick against Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League, displayed his skill and determination.

Yet, amid speculations of his potential departure from Chelsea due to the team’s recent struggles, Fernandez’s celebration took on a symbolic significance. By removing his shirt and gesturing towards his name and the club crest, Fernandez conveyed a powerful message of loyalty and dedication to Chelsea. In the face of external criticism and scrutiny, his celebration represented a defiant assertion of his commitment to the club’s cause.

Pochettino’s response to Fernandez‘s celebration was empathetic and understanding, reflecting on the challenges faced by players in the modern era of football. He acknowledged the prevalence of abuse and unfair treatment directed towards public figures, including footballers, particularly in the age of social media.

Here is what Poch had to say [h/t Football.London]:

“Look, today, we live in an era when it’s easy to abuse, to the people, to the public people. It’s normal that the players are human and are not robots. It’s so easy to abuse.”

“I think we need to understand that we are playing football and of course, this type of situation makes us hungry, situations that are completely unfair. Today, Enzo showed why he is here, he showed the quality but we didn’t have doubts about him, or about Caicedo, or about different young players that arrived here with expectation to win titles and to score in every single touch.”

Poch on Enzo

The manager’s remarks underscored the importance of standing by players during difficult times and offering them encouragement and understanding. Despite facing criticism, Fernandez demonstrated resilience and determination on the pitch, delivering a standout performance and showcasing his unwavering commitment to Chelsea’s success.

In 29 appearances across all competitions this season, the Argentine World Cup winner has six goals and an assist to boot. Pochettino’s support for Fernandez and other young players within the squad reflects a broader ethos of fostering a supportive and nurturing environment within the club. Any person trying to build a culture at a club would naturally need time, and that is something a lot of supporters have been unforgiving of and not needing enough time.

As Chelsea navigate through a challenging period marked by inconsistent results and external pressures, Pochettino’s leadership surely becomes crucial in maintaining team morale and cohesion. It is important to show patience, with the manager and the players, most of whom are very young. Having said that, there has to be some determination, which was not on show until our match-up against Villa.

Overall, Pochettino’s remarks underscored the need for empathy and understanding in football, recognizing the human element behind the players’ performances and behaviours.

More Chelsea News

• Chelsea star Enzo Fernandez could leave the club in the summer
• Gabby Agbonlahor says Chelsea will lose against Liverpool in Carabao Cup
• Chelsea target Leroy Sane considering signing a new contract with Bayern Munich

Fernandez’s celebration certainly served as a powerful statement of his commitment to Chelsea and his determination to overcome adversity, showcasing the resilience and spirit of the team as they strive for success on the pitch.