Chelsea Midfielder, Enzo Fernández has admitted that he has not yet lived up to his potential at Stamford Bridge but remains projects a brighter future under new manager Enzo Maresca.
The Argentine international, who became the Premier League’s most expensive player when Chelsea signed him for €121m ($126m) on deadline day in January 2023, clarified that his journey at the club has been challenging so far.
“When I arrived it was very difficult, the first year and a half here: change of coaches, the club wasn’t doing well, personal injuries,” Fernández told ESPN.
Carrying the weight of his hefty price tag, the 23-year-old says he never let it get to him.
“It didn’t affect me,” he explained.
“I tried to take it responsibly, with enjoyment, without pressure. I was not satisfied with what I had been showing, then I got injured, many adverse things happened, I tried to move forward but today I feel very good, as does the team and we hope to continue on this path.”
The midfielder struggled last season after a hernia disrupted much of his campaign. However, with new boss Maresca at the helm following his promotion from Leicester City, things seem to be improving.
Since being reintroduced to the starting lineup after the November international break, Fernández has been in fine form, scoring three goals and providing three assists in Chelsea’s last five league matches.
Reflecting on his progress, Fernández said, “I learned the position in which I had to play, over time I got the idea of what the coach wanted.”
“He [Maresca] explained to me what he wanted and I was getting the concept, reading the games. There is still a long way to go.”
“On a personal level, I have been feeling very good. The team has shown a very strong character, always working and with humility and showing that great things can be achieved.”
Chelsea’s recent resurgence under Maresca has lifted them to second place in the Premier League, just four points behind league leaders Liverpool.
As Enzo Fernández puts it: “There is still a long way to go,” but it looks like his journey at Chelsea may finally be on track.
