English Premier League
“We can’t keep making excuses” – Mikel challenges Fernandez on Man City clash
By Monsurah Olatunji
Former Chelsea midfielder Mikel Obi has called for improved performances from Enzo Fernandez ahead of the new season.
The 23-year-old joined Chelsea in the winter transfer window of 2023 for a British record fee of £106.3 million.
The former River Plate midfielder has only shown glimpses of the brilliance that justified his substantial price tag and Mikel believes that the team functioned more efficiently without the Argentine World Cup winner.
Frustrated by this, Mikel has now challenged Enzo Fernandez to step up for Chelsea in the 2024/25 season as they prepare for their opener against Manchester City on Sunday.
Previewing Chelsea’s season on his Obi One podcast, Mikel shared his thoughts on Fernandez.
“When Conor Gallagher played alongside Moises Caicedo towards the end of last season, the team performed better without Enzo Fernandez,” he stated.
“Enzo needs to have a big season; we can’t keep making excuses for him.”
