The father of Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez has claimed that a surprise position change under new boss Mauricio Pochettino could soon be on the horizon for his son. Fernandez joined Chelsea for a club-record transfer fee in January after excelling at the World Cup with Argentina and will be expected to play a leading role for the Blues over the course of next season.
Fernandez has primarily been deployed as a deep-lying midfielder since joining Chelsea and emerged as a rare bright spark for the west Londoners last season with two assists in 18 league appearances. His father, Raul, has since insisted that Fernandez remains perfectly happy in west London but is eyeing a change to his role under Pochettino in advance of the new campaign.
He told the Evening Standard: “Enzo is comfortable, happy, and adjusting to London. He is happy about the arrival of Pochettino. Next season? My son wants to be a champion. I think [we will see Enzo play further forward next season]. He was going to ask [Pochettino] to play further advanced.”
It remains to be seen whether Fernandez’s request will be granted by Pochettino, although it seems as though Chelsea’s transfer business could be set to give the Argentine playmaker a greater level of freedom to join attacks. The Blues are said to be negotiating with Brighton over a move for Moises Caicedo, who would be expected to play as a defensive midfielder if he makes the switch to Stamford Bridge.
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Caicedo recently signed a new contract at Brighton but is widely expected to leave the Amex Stadium this summer and would undoubtedly be a shrewd addition for Chelsea if a deal can be agreed over the coming weeks. He featured in all but one of Brighton’s matches in the Premier League last season, chipping in with a goal and an assist in the process, and played a significant role in helping the Seagulls to qualify for Europe for the first time in their 121-year history.
The 21-year-old’s arrival at Stamford Bridge would certainly suit Fernandez’s desire to play further forward next season, although only time will tell if the pair will combine in the middle of the park for Chelsea when the Premier League returns in August. The Blues will be hoping to strengthen their ranks this summer in any case, with Pochettino looking to lead a resurgence in west London after the club’s hugely disappointing campaign last time around.
Former Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole recently told Express Sport that he is expecting Pochettino to deliver some uncomfortable home truths to some of his new players when pre-season training begins next month. Cole said: “I think he’s a fantastic appointment, I really do. He’s a manager that assumes the club, he’s a communicator and the club needs that.
“Poch is a straight-talking guy who can go in and tell the players where they stand and that’s all you want as a player. He’ll put his arm around the players that he feels need it, he’ll give the hard truths to the players that need it and he will bring the club together.”
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