“When I arrived, it was quite a mess.” “I was harming the team and didn’t want to expose myself.” -Chelsea star admits he ‘harmed’ the team and says Mauricio Pochettino fixed squad ‘mess’

Enzo Fernandez confesses that playing through injuries this season was ‘harming’ Chelsea’s performances, and he praises Mauricio Pochettino for ‘giving the squad structure and identity’.

Argentina’s World Cup winner had painkilling injections to play for Chelsea for much of this season owing to a hernia condition, and he is now sidelined for the remainder of the season after undergoing surgery last month.

Fernandez joined Chelsea for £106.8 million from Benfica little over a year ago, and the midfielder credits Pochettino with helping to improve the squad’s cohesiveness.

‘When I came, everything was a disaster, and there were a lot of guys,’ Fernandez told DSports.

‘Mauricio provided the squad structure and a sense of identity. The work ethic is different. He altered everything, and the outcome is great.

‘The squad takes themselves more seriously and works harder. That is crucial for the day-to-day, and you can see the difference during the weekend.

Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez and manager Mauricio Pochettino
Enzo Fernandez thanked Mauricio Pochettino for changing Chelsea (Action Images via Reuters).
Fernandez is now hoping to recover from his injury in time for Argentina’s Copa America opener against Canada on June 20.

‘I was playing with pain and injections for eight months,’ Fernandez explained.

‘I had to make the decision to have surgery, which was the best. I was endangering the team and did not want to reveal myself.

‘I’m alright; everyone can rest. I’m getting better every day, and I can’t wait for the Copa America to arrive.

‘I’ve already begun practicing on the pitch; my recuperation is progressing, and I expect to train with the national team shortly.

‘I’m incredibly thrilled about the Copa America since it will be my first time playing in it.