Fernandez's Celebration Banks Rumors Leaving Chelsea, Pochettino: Players Are Not Robots

Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez celebrated uniquely after breaking into Aston Villa's goal in the FA Cup. (X/@ChelseaFC)

JAKARTA - Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez celebrated uniquely when he scored a free kick in the FA Cup rematch against Aston Villa. The celebration that dismissed rumors of him wanting to leave. Manager Mauricio Pochettino called Fernandez's celebration a reaction that the player was not a robot.

Fernandez scored a beautiful goal as well as solidified Chelsea's lead in the FA Cup match at Villa Park Stadium, Thursday, February 8, 2024 in the morning WIB. A goal was created through a free kick from outside the penalty box which crossed the fence of four Villa players.

Chelsea also closed the match with a 3-1 victory. They also qualified for the fifth round of the FA Cup to face the Leeds United Championship team.

In that match, Fernandez showed his best performance. The most expensive player who was bought for 107 million from Benfica did not only dominate midfield. He was able to control the tempo of the game very well.

At its peak, the Argentine national team midfielder scored a goal with a free kick. He immediately celebrated to remove the jersey and directed it to the camera.

Fernandez pointed to his head and then his finger pointed to the ground. The celebration was the way he brushed off rumors about leaving Chelsea. It had been in the spotlight for the past two days because Fernandez reportedly wanted to leave Stamford Bridge.

He then dismissed the issue and at the same time showed his commitment to the Blues when celebrating goals.

Pochettino said that the celebration was a reaction to the insults that players received on social media. Moreover, he was bought at a high price by Chelsea. However, Pochettino was happy with the player's reaction.

"Just look at it, we live in an era where people are so easily cursing. They are free to curse people in public. And, it's natural for players to be easily criticized. They are human and not robots," said Pochettino.

"I think players need to understand that they play football. So a situation like that makes us angry. The situation is clearly unfair. But Enzo shows why he is here. He shows his quality," he said again.

"But we never doubt him or [Moises] Caicedo or any other player. Young players come up with an expectations of winning titles or at least scoring with just one touch,"

Furthermore, Pochettino said Fernandez was one of the young players who came to Stamford Bridge and immediately played various competitions without rest. With a different environment, culture and language, they really need time.

"When he came almost two years ago, he never rested. There was no holiday for him. With a lot of pressure, language, environment and culture, the team needed time to rebuild. I don't want to make excuses, but I believe in players," he said.

In that match, Chelsea played optimally from the first minute. They immediately took the lead through Conor Gallagher's goal. Next, striker Nicolas Jackson solidified the Blues' lead.

Fernandez completes the team's victory. While the only Villa goal was scored by Moussa Diaby in injury time. Chelsea also won 3-1.