Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez has launched a stinging criticism of the club's hierarchy for their involvement in Enzo Maresca's departure, admitting the exit has deeply wounded the squad. The Blues, who suffered a humiliating 8-2 aggregate defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League this week, have been struggling under new head coach Liam Rosenior, with just one victory in their last five Premier League matches leaving them in sixth place.
Maresca's Sudden Exit and Boardroom Clashes
Maresca, who led Chelsea to victory in the inaugural Club World Cup last summer, left Stamford Bridge at the beginning of 2026 following significant disagreements with the board. This paved the way for Rosenior's appointment from Strasbourg. The Italian coach clashed repeatedly with owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital over their failure to sign a new central defender after Levi Colwill's long-term ACL injury last summer.
The relationship deteriorated further as Maresca felt he lacked the board's full support during the early months of the season, creating tension that ultimately led to his departure.
Fernandez's Emotional Interview After Champions League Exit
Speaking to Mexican broadcaster TUDN in the aftermath of Chelsea's dismal Champions League elimination, Fernandez expressed confusion and frustration about Maresca's exit and its damaging impact on the team. 'I don't understand it either,' he said. 'Sometimes there are things that we as players don't understand, how and in what way they try to manage things.'
'Obviously, it was a departure that hurt us a lot because we had an identity. He gave us an order, even though, as is the way of football, sometimes it's good and bad. But he always had a very clear identity when it came to training and playing, and obviously his departure hurt us a lot, especially in the middle of the season, it cuts everything short.'
Doubts Over Long-Term Future at Chelsea
In a separate interview with ESPN Argentina, the World Cup winner cast doubt on his long-term future at Stamford Bridge. When asked whether he could commit to Chelsea beyond the end of the season, Fernandez responded: 'I don't know, I don't know. There are eight games left and the FA Cup. There's the World Cup and then we'll see.'
Fernandez's comments suggest underlying dissatisfaction with the current management structure and playing style under Rosenior, contrasting sharply with the 'clear identity' and 'order' he experienced under Maresca. This public criticism comes at a particularly challenging time for Chelsea, who face mounting pressure to salvage their season amid inconsistent performances and growing fan discontent.
