Enzo Fernandez Admits Its Potential Can Be Maximum Below Maresca

Enzo Fernandez feels better under Enzo Maresca (Instagram/@enzojfernandez).

JAKARTA - Enzo Fernandez admits that he is not yet aware of his full potential at Chelsea. However, he is optimistic he can do so after a good start under Enzo Maresca.

The Argentine international became the most expensive player in the Premier League when Chelsea signed him from Benfica for 121 million euros on the last day of the January 2023 transfer market.

After the first impressive six months at Stamford Bridge, Fernandez then struggled hard after most of his season was injured by hernia.

"When I arrived, it was very difficult. In the first half of the year here, there was a change of coach, the club was not going well, a personal injury," said Fernandez.

Maresca then entered to replace Mauricio Pochettino in the summer. The arrival of the Italian coach made Fernandez's hopes rise again.

After an off-field incident with Argentina that won the 2024 Copa America, Fernandez started the season at various Chelsea.

He had lost his place in the starting line-up for four games before being returned after the international break in November 2024.

Fernandez has scored three goals and made three assists in the latest five league games.

Seeing Maresca's cold hands which turned out to bring her better, Fernandez was sure that in the future her maximum potential could be seen.

"I learned the position I had to play, over time I got an idea of what the coach wanted."

"He (Maresca) explained to me what he wanted. I understand the concept, read the game. There is still a long way to go."

"Personally, I feel very well. The team has shown a very strong character. Always work hard and with humility, and show that great things can be achieved. There is still a long way to go," said Fernandez.

Therefore, the 23-year-old player felt that he was not too burdened with the price tag when he bought the Blues.

He believes that together with Maresca, the best quality will emerge so that the contribution to Chelsea is commensurate with the dowry.

"It (price tag) doesn't affect me. I try to do it with full responsibility, with pleasure, without pressure."

"I'm not satisfied with what I've shown. Then I got injured, a lot of bad things happened."

"I tried to move on, but today I feel very good, as well as the team. We hope to continue on this path," said Fernandez again.

Chelsea have won four of their last five league games, without defeat.

The Blues are now in second place in the 2024 Premier League, four points adrift of leaders Liverpool.

No one predicts that Chelsea will be on the race for the league title this season.