"I really don't understand this question" - Enzo Fernandez hits back at title race question after Chelsea loss to Fulham
Enzo Fernandez failed to understand the squabble over whether Chelsea are in a title race this season. The Argentine midfielder insisted that he agreed with Blues boss Enzo Maresca's stance on the matter.
The west Londoners have seen a resurgence in form this term under the Italian after their struggles over the past two seasons. Maresca's side are second in the league and were recently just two points behind Liverpool, although the Reds had a game in hand.
However, after dropping points in a goalless draw to Everton and a 2-1 defeat to Fulham, Chelsea's gap to the league leaders has increased to seven points.
With Arsenal and Manchester City struggling for form this season, Enzo Maresca has been asked multiple times whether the Blues are in a title race against Liverpool.
The Italian has remained firm on his stance, insisting that it's too early for Chelsea to be considered title contenders, given that this is his first season in charge.
Speaking to ESPN after the Fulham loss on Boxing Day, Enzo Fernandez was asked about the title race but the Argentine seemed fed up with the question. He said (via Fabrizio Romano on X):
“I really don’t understand this question. If the coach says that we are not in title race, it’s because it’s like that. We are always training and playing to defend Chelsea and leave it as high as possible."
The Blues will travel to Portman Road to face Ipswich Town on Monday night (December 30).
Enzo Fernandez compares Chelsea star to Mohamed Salah and Erling Haaland
Enzo Fernandez has lavished praise on Chelsea star Cole Palmer. He believes the Englishman, alongside Mohamed Salah and Erling Haaland, are the best players in the league.
Palmer has been a game-changer for the Blues since he arrived at Stamford Bridge from Manchester City last year. He played a crucial role in achieving a sixth-place finish last season and continues to perform at the highest level this term.
The 22-year-old has scored 37 goals and provided 21 assists in 65 appearances to date for the west Londoners, and Fernandez has hailed him as one of the best players in the Premier League.
The former Benfica midfielder said:
"Uf, Cole Palmer is very, very good. I see him training every day. He’s a very humble guy who works really hard. He has an incredible quality. Hopefully, we can enjoy him for a long time. He and Mo Salah, with Haaland are among the best players in the Premier League.”
