Enzo Fernandez has acknowledged that his decision to play despite an injury was harming Chelsea’s performance levels this season.
He has expressed his gratitude towards Mauricio Pochettino for instilling discipline and a sense of identity within the team.
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The midfielder, who triumphed in the World Cup with Argentina, has been reliant on pain relief injections to participate in Chelsea’s games for much of the season due to a hernia problem. Following surgery last month, he will miss the remainder of the season.
Having transferred to Chelsea from Benfica for £106.8 million over a year ago, Fernandez has lauded Pochettino for significantly enhancing the unity and morale of the team.
‘When I arrived, it was quite a mess, there were many players,’ Fernandez said in an interview with DSports.
‘Mauricio gave order and an identity to the team. The work ethic is different. He changed everything, and the truth is it’s positive.
‘The team is more serious and hard-working. That’s important for day-to-day, and when the weekend comes, you can see the difference.’
Fernandez is now targeting a return from injury for Argentina’s Copa America campaign, which will start against Canada on June 20.
‘I was playing with pain and injections for eight months,’ Fernandez said.
‘I had to make the decision to have surgery, it was the best. I was harming the team and didn’t want to expose myself.
‘I’m fine, people can relax. I’m getting better day by day, and I’m eager for the Copa America to arrive.
‘I’ve already started training on the pitch, the recovery is advanced, and I hope to be training with the national team soon.
‘I’m very excited for this Copa America, it will be the first time I play in it.’
