Enzo Fernandez was overlooked for the Chelsea captaincy by Mauricio Pochettino (Picture: Getty)
Mauricio Pochettino insists Enzo Fernandez is ‘not ready’ to assume the responsibility of being one of Chelsea’s captains this season.
The Argentina international’s form has been one of the more encouraging aspects of a difficult start to the new season for the big spending Blues.
Despite his influence on the pitch, the January signing from Benfica is not considered part of the club’s leadership group which currently comprises of Reece James, Ben Chilwell and Conor Gallagher.
The latter’s presence among that group represents something of a surprise given Chelsea are ready to let the academy graduate depart during the summer, but Pochettino believes he remains ideally placed to wear the armband when required.
‘Thiago is an experienced player that doesn’t need the armband,’ said Pochettino in response to the experienced Brazil international’s stance on not wearing the armband at Bournemouth last weekend.
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‘Then I think it’s important to build something for the future. Not only the present but the future. He is there and the captain is not only to put the armband on your arm.
‘To clarify, I think maybe it was Thiago give it to Enzo but Enzo is still struggling with his English.
‘If we need to communicate with the referee and everything I think Conor can perfectly do the job and for me I prefer Conor than Enzo because I think Conor can speak normally, English.
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‘I think Enzo is still not ready to be a captain. It is not only because of character or personality or profile.
‘It’s about you need to communicate with the people and if you don’t manage still the language properly you cannot be captain no? I don’t know.
‘Maybe I’m wrong but it’s my opinion.’
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