Overview
- Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior said Friday that Enzo Fernandez will miss the FA Cup tie against Port Vale and the Premier League game versus Manchester City after the vice-captain “crossed a line” with comments about living in Madrid.
- Rosenior framed the move as a culture-protection sanction agreed with ownership and sporting directors, and he said Fernandez remains in the leadership group with a route back after the two games.
- Fernandez’s agent, Javier Pastore, called the punishment “completely unfair” in comments to The Athletic, arguing the midfielder did not say he wanted to leave or name a club.
- Manchester City have asked Pep Guardiola to clarify his plans as reported this week, with recruitment already weighing his decision and the club tracking possible successors such as Enzo Maresca, Vincent Kompany, Xabi Alonso and Roberto De Zerbi.
- Guardiola told ESPN he will not copy Chelsea’s approach with Rodri after the midfielder spoke about Real Madrid, saying City would not stop a move if a player is unhappy, which highlights contrasting management choices that could influence player decisions this summer.