Football NewsThe GuardianUnverified source· 4 Sept 2026
Maresca praises Fernández but keeps captaincy away
Chelsea boss hails midfielder's winning mentality yet stops short of handing him the armband.
E. Fernández
player
Manager
Enzo Maresca
Player
Enzo Fernández
Key point
Fernández called a 'winner'
What happened. Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca praised Enzo Fernández as a 'winner' but clarified he will not make him captain.
- Maresca's comments came in a press conference covered by The Guardian.
- De Zerbi also defended his treatment of Richarlison in the same roundup.
- Carrick warned there is no quick fix at Middlesbrough.
Maresca's stance on captaincy may affect Fernández's role as a leader on the pitch.
In this story
Michael Carrick
Unai Emery
E. Maresca
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