Enzo Fernandez has made the feelings of the Chelsea squad perfectly clear after back-to-back defeats away at Brighton. The Blues were knocked out of the FA Cup on the south coast earlier this month and responded in drab fashion just six days later by again losing to the Seagulls.
While Enzo Maresca’s side at least got on the score sheet in the cup defeat, they were comfortably beaten 3-0 on their second trip to Amex Stadium in the space of one week. Since then, Maresca and the playing squad have come under fire for recent displays and decisions, but it is the sporting directors that have been blamed by most.
This follows on from the club allowing Joao Felix to leave on loan in January despite failing to sign a striker with three attackers now out injured. Chelsea also quite clearly lack experience and leadership with just two players that started on Friday night over the age of 25.
Though it may be a young squad, there is quite clearly a significant amount of talent in west London and thus Chelsea’s season can quite easily get back on track. The first part of that arrives this weekend with the Blues again on their travels as they face fellow top-four hopefuls Aston Villa.
With Unai Emery’s side in action against Liverpool on Wednesday evening, Chelsea could take advantage of fatigue and get their season on an upward trajectory once again. Three points at Villa Park would also be a great way to pick up momentum before home fixtures against Leicester City and Southampton.
Preparations at Cobham for the coming weeks have already begun, with Fernandez echoing the thoughts of the squad. On Instagram stories, he reposted Chelsea’s update from training earlier this week, which was captioned: “Monday workout. [triumphant and smoke emoji].”
Fernandez will likely need to play a key role if Chelsea are to return to winning ways consistently with Romeo Lavia still unavailable. The Argentine went on an impressive run of seven goal contributions in six league games earlier this season and similar returns may be required with Chelsea struggling in attack.
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