03 Apr 2026 09:44:53
Do the comment from Cucurella demonstrate the dressing room leadership that many have been calling out for?
Plenty in the press have been saying things like he should ‘keep in his lane’ or ‘stay in his box’, but he’s stepped forward and spoke out for the team, speaking out for the talented, but less experienced, players. No one can question what he said was the truth. He put pressure on the club, doing it on behalf of a squad who want help to compete at the top.
That, for me, demonstrates leadership.
Lots of reports that he signed a new deal, which wasn’t announced at the time, last summer. Could he sign for Barcelona? Yes, but he’ll be the most expensive option for them at LB. Equally Palmer could sign for Man Utd and Fernandez could sign for Real, but they’d both be the most expensive options, by some distance, for both them clubs too. I think it’s highly likely more than one of those deals happen this summer.
03 Apr 2026 11:28:48
J, this is probably just me. My problem with these players making comments is more about why tell the fans/media. If you have a problem, go and talk to the manager/owner. This seems to be a common occurrence with players from all clubs giving their views about their respective clubs/managers while on international duty.
As I've said before, shut the f*** up.
03 Apr 2026 11:37:03
Well said Tom.
03 Apr 2026 11:41:18
How do we know they haven't spoken internally and been ignored? I have far more issues with Fernandez's.
03 Apr 2026 12:26:29
J, that's a good point. They may well have spoken to senior people within the club, but I still can't have them blasting their views to the media. I understand that Enzo has been dropped from the squad for at least two games, and I think Cucarella will probably get a similar so called punishment.
Let's also remember that Enzo is reported to be negotiating a new contract with the club. My guess is those negotiations haven't gone well and may now be closed.
03 Apr 2026 12:31:17
J, have you seen the latest presser?
Boss Liam Rosenior on Enzo Fernandez:
"I spoke with Enzo an hour ago. We've made a decision - he won't be available for tomorrow's game and he won't be available for Manchester City.
"It's disappointing to speak in that way.
What I will say about Enzo is that, in terms of him as a person, I've got no bad words to say.
"But a line was crossed in terms of our culture. We had to make a sanction."
That is the end of the matter, as Enzo will now leave. Liam stamping his foot.
03 Apr 2026 13:09:37
I think Rodri joins Real from City, which may leave Fernandez in a bit of an awkward situation. I don't see all this helping Rosenior's situation.
03 Apr 2026 13:18:04
If Rodri goes to RM, expect EF to go to City.
03 Apr 2026 13:18:21
J, the buzz earlier in the week was RM had pulled away from any Rodri deal, and are now only interested in Enzo.
That rumour coming out in the media nearly coincided with Enzo opening his mouth.
03 Apr 2026 13:51:56
Rodri hasn't been at his best since his return from injury and will be 30 in June. I doubt Real Madrid will take the risk.
03 Apr 2026 13:54:16
Tom, you are right about Rodri not going to Madrid. The deal is done for Enzo.
03 Apr 2026 15:11:08
Interestingly, when asked if Enzo was committed to Chelsea, he said he couldn't speak for the player. However, he openly said Cucu wants to stay here, and is very committed to the project.
All but confirms Enzo's exit.