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Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca speaks out on Enzo Fernandez Argentina video

© Reuters
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca says there were 'no bad intentions' from Enzo Fernandez and his Argentina teammates when they sang a song that was offensive to French people.

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has claimed that there 'will not be any problems' when Enzo Fernandez links up with the rest of the first-team squad.

In the aftermath of Argentina winning the Copa America with victory over Colombia, Fernandez posted a video on Instagram alongside some of his international teammates.

A song sang by a selection of players was offensive to French people, resulting in strong criticism coming the way of the 23-year-old.

Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana condemned the video on social media, with Fernandez making a public apology in the hours after that post on X.

Furthermore, Chelsea acknowledged that they will launch their own 'internal disciplinary procedure', while an official complaint has been made to FIFA by the French Football Federation.

Enzo Fernandez in action for Argentina on July 4, 2024.© Reuters

Maresca comments on Fernandez situation

As a result of his efforts for Argentina, Fernandez is yet to hold face-to-face talks with any of Chelsea's French contingent, aside from allegedly over video call.

Fernandez is not due to start pre-season until the start of August, yet Maresca does not feel there will be any issues between his teammates going forward.

Speaking to reporters at a press conference, as quoted by football.london, the Italian said: "It's great that the player did the statement to apologise. The club did the same.

"There is not something to add to the situation. It's clear and clarified."

When quizzed on whether he anticipates any problems, he added: "I don't think so to be honest. At the end, they are all human beings.

"There is no bad intention from any one of them. I don't think when Enzo is back, we will have any problems. The player and club clarified the situation."

Enzo Maresca pictured on March 9, 2024© Imago

What now?

Chelsea's current focus is on facing Wrexham in the first of five pre-season friendlies in the United States, the first of which takes place on Wednesday night.

When discussing the future of Trevoh Chalobah, Maresca namechecked Fofana as one of his centre-back options, which was expected despite his season-long layoff with a serious knee injury.

Maresca will be in no rush to use Fernandez in any of the club's friendlies given that he successfully came through the Copa America on the back of a hernia operation.

Nevertheless, with Chelsea not returning to London until August 8, Fernandez is expected to be around the squad in the USA before that date.

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Written by
Darren Plant

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Enzo Maresca pictured on March 9, 2024
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