Enzo Fernandez makes ‘serious’ Chelsea admission amid 2023/24 Mauricio Pochettino promise

Enzo Fernandez has promised ‘the best is yet to come’ from Chelsea as they embark on another campaign under new head coach Mauricio Pochettino.

The 22-year-old has had a whirlwind year. He joined Benfica last summer, won the World Cup in December, then made a club-record £106.8 million transfer to Chelsea in January.

Fernandez has settled into life quickly at Stamford Bridge despite arriving in difficult circumstances with the team struggling for form, leaving them in 12th place at the end of the Premier League season and missing out on European football entirely next season.

The Argentine’s popularity was evident from when he signed and it showed with the end of season vote, which saw the midfielder finish second in the club’s Player of the Season vote for 2022-23 despite him only being at the club for around four months.

The World Cup winner is now resting and recovering in the off-season ahead of his Cobham return at the start of July, which will see him link up with fellow countryman Pochettino, who was appointed as the club’s new head coach earlier in June.

Fernandez reflected on 2022-23 and has high hopes for Chelsea, who look to build on their ‘serious project’, next season.

“Already enjoying the holidays with my family I can make a brief review of this wonderful year,” wrote Enzo on social media.

“First of all the family is getting bigger! I lived brilliant moments in just one year. Very grateful to play for Benfica and I take the opportunity to congratulate all the Benfiquistas for the title!!

“Then it was time to touch the skies with the hands having the opportunity to play in a World Cup for my country Argentina and a childhood dream became true by winning this such desired title.

“I still had half a year and there was an opportunity to reach one more dream, to play the Premier League and fight for Chelsea! Happy and more than happy with everything we have experienced this year.

“We are moving forward with the national team. We are moving forward with Chelsea that although the first semester was not as we all wanted, we know that this is a serious project and with people who are looking for the best for the club and this year we will show it!! Let’s go for more!! The best is yet to come!”