Maresca begins to set his house in order, makes Enzo leader

Chelsea’s new manager, Enzo Maresca, has begun to set his house in order ahead of the new season.

According to The Times, Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez is to be named among Chelsea’s vice-captains by new coach Enzo Maresca. He is to be entrusted with a significant leadership role at Chelsea, despite causing controversy earlier this summer. Fernandez was given the captain’s armband in the second half of his team’s 2-1 loss to Real Madrid in a friendly match after Reece James was substituted.

Fernandez’s actions caused a stir within the Chelsea squad, as many of their French players were reported to be “very angry” with the 23-year-old. Colleague Wesley Fofana eventually came to the star’s defence after he apologised to the France international, with the defender claiming that Fernandez is “not racist”.

Marresca then hopes that the controversy is well and truly behind him and his Chelsea teammates as they prepare for the 2024–25 Premier League season. The Stamford Bridge side will face Inter in their last pre-season friendly before they take in Manchester City in their first league game of the new campaign in August.