Mauricio Pochettino explains why Enzo Fernandez can’t be Chelsea captain

Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino has explained why midfielder Enzo Fernandez can’t captain the team.

Back in January 2023, Chelsea broke the British transfer record after paying a reported fee of £106.8 million to sign Fernandez from Portuguese side Benfica.

After a tough first six months at the Stamford Bridge club, Fernandez’s performances have improved slightly in the new season.

However, Chelsea as a whole are still struggling as they have only managed to collect five points from their opening five matches.

Ahead of Chelsea’s match against Aston Villa on Sunday, Pochettino was quizzed about Chelsea’s captain hierarchy after Conor Gallagher was handed the armband last weekend.

Gallagher being given the armband came as a surprise as he was reportedly for sale in the summer, plus experienced player Thiago Silva was also on the pitch.

On the matter, Pochettino said: “Thiago is an experienced player that doesn’t need the armband.

“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.”

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He continued: “To clarify, I think maybe it was Thiago to 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.

“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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