Enzo Fernandez: “No Pressure, Only Respect” for Real Madrid vs Chelsea Champions League Quarterfinals

Enzo Fernandez, the 22-year-old Argentine international midfielder, who Chelsea paid €121m for in January to rescue from Benfica, said on Tuesday afternoon[expander_maker id=”1″ ] at Estádio Santiago Bernabéu (Madrid) that he did not feel any pressure for the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinals (9 pm local time, 8 pm UK time) between Real Madrid, the current holder of the European title (and 2022 one), and Chelsea, the 2021 European champions.

“I don’t feel any pressure; I just want to enjoy the game. It’s just a football match. That’s all that matters,” said the midfielder, responding to questions about the pressure caused by Chelsea’s significant investment in his transfer and the team’s 11th position in the Premier League standings, which leads the club to bet all stakes on the only title it can win this season – The Champions League. The pressure is set to increase at the legendary Estádio Santiago Bernabéu in this first tie.

“We are aware of the history of the Bernabéu. It is undoubtedly very special to be able to play here. But I try not to put more pressure on the game and instead, have a good time. Afraid? Never! I hope it will be a great spectacle,” said the World Cup champion for Argentina in Qatar 2022 to Spanish and British journalists at Real Madrid facility, as reported by the sports daily Marca.

On Real Madrid and Argentina’s resilience in the World Cup, Enzo Fernandez concisely said, “There are always adversities, during which we have to be mentally strong and firm. We must stay focused and concentrated. I learned that in the World Cup,” Enzo recalled, noting that Argentina even lost the opening game in Qatar in the group stage (1-2 against Saudi Arabia).

Concerning Real Madrid’s offensive power, including Rodrygo, Vinícius, Benzema, Valverde, Enzo Fernandez has respect without fear – with Chelsea’s January transfer window’s most expensive signing assuring his readiness to deliver the best to the team.

“Scared of Real Madrid? We don’t have it, only respect. Yes, they have Vinícius, Benzema, Valverde. We need to defend well for now, and we will still have the second leg in our home ground. Real Madrid is a club with a great history and hierarchy. Modric and Kroos are an enormous inspiration for all midfielders, such as myself,” said Enzo Fernandez, paying homage to the Croatian and German duo in Real Madrid’s midfield.

Asked about Chelsea’s latest head coach and the instability that it has caused and whether it reflects on the team this season, given that the club has parted ways with Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter, Enzo acknowledged that changing coaches during the season is never easy.

“During the season, changing coaches is not easy. But the group (Chelsea) is easy and united. We know what the Champions League means, and we are ready to play,” he reassured, just before thanking the compatriot and coach Jorge D’Alessandro for comparing him to a Ferrari in the Spanish press.

“Jorge always speaks wonderfully about me, and I publicly thank him. My adaptation? I don’t feel like I have reached the top at Chelsea. I arrived only recently; it’s a different league, another city, another life. It hasn’t been easy for my family either. I rely on my teammates to do our best on the field,” confessed Enzo humbly, after less than two and a half months since his move… from Lisbon.

Asked whether he joined Chelsea to be “a leader,” as the team’s coach, Frank Lampard, classed him shortly before the conference in Madrid, the Argentine smiled.

“I always dreamed of being an example. I thank Frank for his words and promise to do my best, help the team, and be an example to everyone,” he reiterated.

Enzo Fernandez did not leave without revealing that the coach, Frank Lampard, has injected confidence into the Chelsea team.

“Frank spoke to the group. He trusts us and reinforced that Chelsea is a great club. We take the Chelsea of 2012 as an example [also crowned European champions, like in 2021],” he stated.[/expander_maker]