Enzo Maresca’s management style at Chelsea has involved making tough decisions, including sidelining key midfielder Enzo Fernandez.
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Emmanuel Petit, former Chelsea midfielder, believes Maresca’s approach will benefit Fernandez in the long term, as the player contends with personal issues that have impacted his focus on the pitch.
Fernandez, who joined Chelsea from Benfica for £105 million, initially faced high expectations but has struggled to maintain consistent performances.
With Moises Caicedo’s strong form and Romeo Lavia’s return from injury, Fernandez has found himself relegated to the bench. Petit noted that Fernandez’s off-field challenges, including a reported split from his wife, have likely affected his mental readiness.
“He has to manage his personal problems first before becoming the real midfielder he used to be a couple of years ago,” Petit commented, adding that Maresca’s decision to temporarily sideline Fernandez may relieve him from undue pressure.
Petit praised Maresca for his disciplined approach, which has involved dividing the Chelsea squad into two groups, allowing players to compete for a place in the starting XI.
The result, Petit believes, is an improved Chelsea under Maresca, with players adapting to his firm leadership.
