Enzo Maresca has explained the controversial selection of Enzo Fernandez as Chelsea captain for the club’s season-opener against Manchester City.
Fernandez wore the captain’s armband in the absence of the injured Reece James, as Chelsea began their Premier League campaign with a 2-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge.
The decision has received criticism following events this summer, in which Fernandez was fined after being filmed chanting a racist and homophobic chant aimed as the France national team following Argentina’s Copa America celebrations.
Chelsea teammate Wesley Fofana, who has one cap for France, called the video ‘uninhibited racism’, while several players in the Blues’ squad unfollowed Fernandez on social media.
At the weekend, Fofana walked out behind Fernandez, who was named Chelsea captain for the clash with City. He was one of three black French players in the side, alongside Malo Gusto and Christopher Nkunku.
Asked to explain the decision and whether the choice of Fernandez as captain sent a poor message, Maresca told his post-match press conference: “Enzo is one of the captains. We have more captains. The reason why is because I can see his teammates recognise him as a reference, as a captain. I said already, all of us make mistakes. It is important to recognise that he made a mistake.
“I don’t know about you, but I did a mistake in the past and I recognise. He is one of the references. I have nothing to add.”
