"It's a matter of balance" - Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca explains Enzo Fernandez's struggle for gametime, Romeo Lavia and Moises Caicedo preference
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has explained why Argentine midfielder Enzo Fernandez has struggled for game time of late. While the 23-year-old has started six of his eight league matches this campaign, he's failed to feature in the first XI in his team's previous two outings.
The likes of Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia have been preferred in the deep-lying midfield roles, allowing Cole Palmer to play as a number 10. Claiming that Fernandez has a tendency to move further up the pitch, which reduces defensive capabilities, Maresca said (via Football London):
"First of all, it is a matter of balance. I think in this moment, Romeo and Moi give us physicality and strength in the middle. This is the reason why we found the option of Malo in the pocket. Otherwise, if we play with Enzo, it has to be Enzo and one between Moi and Romeo and when Enzo moves, we probably struggle in the middle in terms of physicality."
"It doesn't mean in one game we cannot play with Cole and Joao in the pocket. It depends on the game. Probably soon we are going to see Joao and Cole together in the pocket with a striker. It's always the game that requires a different plan."
It looks as though the Blues boss has hinted at the fact that Fernandez will not be starting Chelsea's upcoming match against Manchester United. The west Londoners travel to Old Trafford for this league meeting on Sunday (November 3).
Fernandez signed for Chelsea in January 2023 for a reported €121 million. He has since made 74 appearances across competitions for the club, bagging seven goals and six assists.
Enzo Maresca addresses Chelsea's record at Manchester United ahead of important clash
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has stressed that Old Trafford is a tough place to win ahead of his team's match against Manchester United. The Blues are winless at this ground since 2013.
However, they face a Red Devils team that are placed 14th in the standings and are going through a turbulent phase. Speaking ahead of this fixture, Maresca said (via Football London):
"We didn't win there since 2013? Hopefully it is a good time. That shows how difficult that stadium is; not only for us but for every club."
Manchester United sacked Erik ten Hag after their 2-1 defeat to West Ham on October 27. Ruben Amorim will take over from interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy on November 11.