Controversial Chelsea figure set to be offered vice-captaincy by Enzo Maresca

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca is set to include Enzo Fernandez in his leadership group for the 2024/25 campaign

According to a report from The Standard, Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca is about to name Enzo Fernandez as one of the team’s vice-captains, regardless of his involvement in the Argentina racism storm.

Enzo Fernandez attracted a barrage of criticism from all corners of the world in the aftermath of Argentina’s Copa America celebrations as he was among a group of players who racially chanted against French players of African origin in July. A number of his club teammates including Wesley Fofana and Axel Disasi called the central midfielder out for his actions on social media, whilst a handful of them even unfollowed him.

The 2022 World Cup winner has since apologised to his Chelsea teammates since returning from his vacation on their pre-season tour of the United States. Enzo Maresca has once and all closed the chapter after Fernandez’s apology to his colleagues, stating the team spirit within the dressing room will not be affected by the issue.

The Blues boss has now apparently confirmed that the 23-year-old will be a part of his leadership group in the forthcoming campaign. Fernandez took the armband from Reece James during Chelsea’s pre-season encounter with Real Madrid, suggesting that the central midfielder has been selected as Maresca’s new deputy.

“He’s one of the important players,” Maresca was quoted in a report by The Standard.

“To be honest, I think when we changed Reece he gave the ‘bracelet’ to Enzo and this shows how Enzo is respected inside the squad. I think it’s quite clear.”

Chelsea splashed a British record €121m to sign Fernandez from Benfica in January 2023 after the midfielder had played a key role in Argentina’s 2022 World Cup triumph. He has become a key player for the Pensioners, with the 23-year-old starting 26 Premier League games this past season despite being hit with several injury issues.

It is a very delicate issue that Maresca and the club have handled well in recent weeks. Fernandez remains a very important member of the Chelsea squad, and while it may take time for some players to accept his apology and move on from the incident, the club’s cause will be better served if everyone is on the same page heading into the new campaign.

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Maresca planning to appoint the Argentinean as one of his vice-captains will nonetheless be a bold decision. It will also put responsibility on the shoulders of Fernandez after sparking controversy with his off-field actions in the last month.

Let’s hope the player succeeds in living up to the pressure and expectations of the head coach and the fans alike and delivers the goods for our team in the 2024/25 campaign.