Chelsea news: January arrival Enzo Fernandez has been one of the brightest sparks in a disappointing second half of the season for the Blues
Chelsea's record signing Enzo Fernandez insists that the Blues must enjoy the occasion of their Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid on Wednesday. While form does slightly go out of the window for two-legged ties, from three Premier League games played in April, Chelsea are yet to win most recently losing this past weekend to Wolves at Molineux.
Prior to that defeat came a goalless draw with Liverpool and a hugely disappointing 2-0 home defeat to Aston Villa which ultimately resulted in the dismissal of Graham Potter. Bruno Saltor took temporary charge against Liverpool before Frank Lampard made a surprising return to Chelsea as interim manager until the end of the season, just over two years on from his own sacking as head coach of the club.
Wednesday evening's major European clash against Real Madrid seems like the perfect time for Chelsea to end their barren run, but to do that, Fernandez believes his team have to enjoy the spectacle.
“I try not to have pressure in football, just to enjoy it," he said in a press conference on Tuesday. "There is responsibility in this match but there is no pressure, I always try to enjoy. You don’t have to be afraid and lets hope tomorrow is a big show.
"No pressure. I’m going to try and enjoy the match. I don’t think I have to prove anything to anyone and I’ll give my best as I always do."
The thought of facing the likes of Modric, Kroos and Valverde in a major midfield battle does not strike fear into Fernandez, though. Instead the World Cup winner was very clear in his feeling towards Madrid, especially with Chelsea as underdogs.
"Afraid, we’re not afraid," he revealed defiantly. "There is respect because this is a football match and we know the quality they have. We will try to contract them with our defenders and have great defensive work and make a wonderful match."