Mauricio Pochettino, the Chelsea boss, has responded to Enzo Fernandez’s notable celebration in their victory over Aston Villa in the FA Cup fourth-round replay. Fernandez, a £107 million signing from Benfica, delivered an outstanding performance in a Chelsea shirt, dominating the midfield and controlling the tempo of the game. He capped off his man-of-the-match display with a stunning free-kick goal.
After scoring, Fernandez took off his shirt and held it up to the traveling supporters, pointing at his name and the pitch. Many interpreted this gesture as a reference to his commitment to the club despite speculation that he may regret joining Chelsea. Pochettino believes that Fernandez’s celebration was a reaction to the abuse he and his teammates have received on social media, particularly due to the size of his transfer fee. Despite this, Pochettino praised Fernandez’s response and his quality on the field.
Pochettino acknowledges that in today’s era, it is easy for players to face abuse on social media. He emphasizes that players are human and not robots and that such situations can make them angry, especially when they are unfair. Pochettino wants people to understand that football is just a game and that players need support rather than unnecessary pressure and expectations.
Pochettino continues to express his belief in Fernandez and other young players who have joined Chelsea with the expectation of winning titles. He highlights Fernandez’s journey to Chelsea, including no holidays or rest for almost two years, pressure, and adapting to a new environment, language, and culture. Pochettino believes that these circumstances require time for players to adjust and perform at their best.
Despite the challenges Fernandez has faced, Pochettino is not surprised by his quality and performance. He describes him as a world champion player who has the ability not only to score goals but also to excel on the field. Pochettino reiterates his belief in the project and the players at Chelsea, urging people to stop creating unrealistic expectations and to support the players in building something great.
In conclusion, Fernandez’s notable celebration in the victory over Aston Villa has sparked a response from Mauricio Pochettino. He believes that the celebration was a reaction to the abuse Fernandez has received on social media. Pochettino praises Fernandez’s performance and highlights his journey to Chelsea, emphasizing the need for time to adjust to new circumstances. He urges people to support the players and their efforts in building a successful team.