Liam Rosenior moves to shut down Fernandez exit talk

March 23, 2026 Oliver Obel

Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior has moved to reassure supporters over Enzo Fernandez’s future after the midfielder’s comments following the club’s Champions League exit prompted fresh speculation.

The Argentina international told ESPN Argentina he was unsure whether he would remain at Stamford Bridge next season after Tuesday’s 3-0 defeat to Paris St-Germain, saying: “I don't know.” He added: “There are eight games left and the FA Cup. There's the World Cup and then we'll see.”

Those remarks came after a difficult night for Chelsea, who were eliminated 8-2 on aggregate by the defending European champions, compounding what has been a challenging spell domestically.

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s Premier League trip to Everton, Rosenior said he had addressed the situation directly with Fernandez in a lengthy conversation at training.

“He is one of the captains at the club,” Rosenior said. “He made it really clear how happy he is here, how much he wants to win and how passionate he is for us to be successful.

“He also said that in translation and in emotion, things get misconstrued. For me, he is fully committed to this group and to winning here at this football club.”

Fernandez, 25, joined Chelsea from Benfica in January 2023 for a then British-record fee of £107m and remains a central figure in the squad.

His comments come at a time when results have increased pressure on Chelsea’s push for a top-five finish. A 1-0 home defeat to Newcastle United has left them sixth in the table, just outside the Champions League qualification places with eight matches remaining.

Rosenior acknowledged the recent downturn but insisted his focus remains on securing a return to Europe’s top competition.

“Every manager goes through difficult weeks,” he said. “This club deserves to be in the Champions League. That’s the target.”

The Chelsea manager also confirmed defender Trevoh Chalobah is expected to be sidelined for around six weeks. He dismissed criticism over his decision to pass instructions to players via a note during the PSG defeat, saying the reaction “doesn’t affect” him.

Chelsea now turn their attention to Everton as they look to steady their form and revive their league campaign.

Sources: ESPN Argentina, BBC, Chelsea press conference reporting