Mauricio Pochettino has shared that one of his Chelsea players was really keen to impress during last night’s FA Cup game over Aston Villa.
He told Football London that he believes Enzo Fernandez was hungry to silence some doubters and rumours about him.
Fernandez put in a player of the match display last night as the Blues returned to winning ways with a 3-1 victory.
Given the recent form and results, many did not have the result at Villa Park in their predictions, and an FA Cup tie against old rivals Leeds United.
The Argentine looked as if he was on a mission to pick up the win last night, and this was shown by his sensational free-kick that put the result beyond doubt.
Pundit Roy Keane was full of praise for his display, as well as the one of midfield partner Moises Caicedo.
Pochettino echoed these thoughts after the game, saying that the World Cup winner was keen to make a statement amid reports of uncertainty.
MORE CHELSEA STORIES
Pochettino praises Enzo Fernandez
He said: “Today, we live in an era where it is easy to abuse to the public people. It’s normal that the players are human, they’re not robots. It’s too easy to abuse today. We need to understand we are playing football.
“Of course this type of situation makes us hungry, situations that are completely unfair. Today, Enzo showed why he is here and his quality. We didn’t have doubts about him, Caicedo or different young players that arrived here with the expectation to win titles and score with every single touch.”
Criticism has been easy to come by for Fernandez this season in particular, with many expecting to see more from a player who cost as much as he did.
This definitely feels like it has the potential to be a turning point in his season though, and he will be looking to take that form into Monday’s London derby against Crystal Palace.
