Prior to the start of the season, Chelsea star Enzo Fernandez had a long interview with his home country’s media.
The 22-year-old this week spoke to ESPN Argentina, and discussed the important year the Blues have ahead.
Fernandez is now getting to know Chelsea new manager Mauricio Pochettino, and claims that in the first conversations he had with his compatriot, they decided to change his position in midfield.
“We talked a little about everything, about where I felt most comfortable, everything,” Enzo Fernandez told ESPN Argentina.
“The truth is, I like to play loose, and the function that I am going to fulfill this year is going to be that, playing double five but a little more loose, Trying not to have the responsibility that I had last season, playing as the only five. Now, with another five next to me, obviously I’ll have much more freedom, but without detracting from the position, in the sense that I also have to defend, You have to help the team that way.”
When arriving at Chelsea following a €121m move from Benfica in January, Fernandez had first worn the number 5. Now he claims he asked for number 8, and explained the reasons behind it.
“Before I had said that, it was a number that identified me as a boy, I always used it playing as a kid. It’s a number that I like a lot, I have it tattooed, and that is more why I asked for it, because I like it.”
“I didn’t get a chance to talk to Frank that I was going to wear the number, but I do know the history that it demands and all that he has achieved throughout his career here at Chelsea. Being able to reach that for me is also a very big challenge.”
Chelsea have a tough opening game in the Premier League, as they play Liverpool at the Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
Speaking to the Argentine media, Fernandez claims he had already swapped shirts with Alex Mac Allister back on when his mate played for Brighton & Hove Albion, and will now get the Reds’ number 10.
He also highlighted the quality of Jurgen Klopp’s side, but claimed the Blues should be up to the challenge.
