BUENOS AIRES, Argentina – Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández has addressed recent comments regarding the pitch at La Bombonera, hinted at a potential future in Madrid and revealed a surprising pre-match routine before the 2022 FIFA World Cup final. The 25-year-aged spoke candidly with streamer Marcos Giles on Kick following Argentina’s 2-1 friendly victory over Mauritania on Friday, sparking discussion about his current form, future ambitions, and memories of Qatar.
The conversation began with Fernández clarifying remarks he made after the Mauritania match, where he stated, “La cancha no estaba en buenas condiciones y no pudimos demostrar mucho nuestro fútbol” – “The pitch wasn’t in good condition and we couldn’t show much of our football.” These comments drew criticism from some Boca Juniors fans, who defended the state of their stadium’s playing surface. Fernández was quick to offer an apology, stating, “No fue con mala intención. Pido disculpas si se lo tomaron a mal” – “It wasn’t with bad intention. I apologize if anyone took it the wrong way.” He emphasized his respect for the national team and his teammates, adding, “Mis valores no son esos, de criticar ni nada… Cuando vengo a la Selección somos todos uno” – “Those aren’t my values, to criticize or anything… When I come to the national team, we are all one.”
The Argentina international’s comments came after playing 56 minutes in the friendly, scoring one goal in the 2-1 win. The match served as preparation for upcoming World Cup qualifying matches and provided an opportunity for coach Lionel Scaloni to assess his squad. Argentina defeated Mauritania thanks to goals from Enzo Fernández and Nicolás Paz, with Jordan Lefort scoring a late consolation goal for the visitors. [1]
Beyond the pitch conditions, Fernández also touched upon his future, offering a tantalizing glimpse into his preferences. When asked about potential destinations, he expressed his fondness for Madrid, stating, “Me gusta mucho Madrid. Es parecida a Buenos Aires.” – “I really like Madrid. It’s similar to Buenos Aires.” This statement has been widely interpreted as a signal of interest in a possible move to Real Madrid, a club consistently linked with top talent across Europe. A move to the Spanish capital would represent a significant step in his career, transitioning from the Premier League to one of the world’s most demanding footballing environments.
Fernández’s technical ability and tactical discipline have made him a sought-after player in the transfer market. His creativity and work rate would undoubtedly be valuable assets to a club like Real Madrid. However, the midfielder also reaffirmed his long-term desire to return to his boyhood club, River Plate. “Quiero volver. Y quiero volver estando bien” – “I aim for to return. And I want to return when I’m playing well,” he said, highlighting his commitment to the Argentine club where he first rose to prominence before moving to Benfica in Portugal.
The conversation also delved into Fernández’s journey back to River Plate after a loan spell at Defensa y Justicia. He recounted the difficulties he faced during pre-season, admitting, “Cuando volví a River sufrí mucho la pretemporada, vomitaba, físicamente estaba mal” – “When I returned to River, I suffered a lot during pre-season, I was vomiting, physically I was bad.” He described a challenging period of adaptation, taking three months to uncover his form and secure a starting position. He credited the support of his teammates and the demanding coaching of Marcelo Gallardo for helping him overcome these obstacles.
Getting back to River wasn’t straightforward, as he faced resistance from Defensa y Justicia’s coach, Sebastián Becaccece, who considered him a key player. Fernández humorously described his efforts to convince Becaccece to release him, stating, “Becaccece no me dejaba volver. Y lo enfermé, lo volví loco, lo llamaba por teléfono…” – “Becaccece wouldn’t let me return. And I annoyed him, I drove him crazy, I called him on the phone…” He revealed that interventions from River Plate legends Enzo Francescoli and Gallardo ultimately swayed Becaccece’s decision.
Perhaps the most surprising revelation of the interview came when Fernández discussed his pre-match routine before the 2022 World Cup final. He revealed that he only managed to get three hours of sleep before the momentous match against France. “Pasa que teníamos el horario muy cambiado… Entonces, nos levantábamos a la mañana, unos mates, almuerzo y después ya siesta” – “It happened that we had a very changed schedule… So, we got up in the morning, some mate, lunch and then a siesta,” he explained. He also shared that his roommate, Julián Álvarez, also took a similar three-hour nap. This unusual routine was a result of the team’s adjusted schedule to cope with the high temperatures in Qatar, where matches were played in the evening to avoid the midday heat.
The anecdote provides a fascinating insight into the preparations of the Argentine squad before their historic World Cup triumph. It highlights the team’s adaptability and their commitment to optimizing their performance in challenging conditions. Argentina ultimately defeated France in a penalty shootout after a thrilling 3-3 draw, securing their third World Cup title.
La Bombonera will once again host the Argentine national team on Tuesday, March 31st, when they face Zambia at 8:30 PM local time (11:30 PM UTC). The match will be broadcast on Telefe. [1]
Fernández’s reflections offer a compelling glimpse into the life of a modern footballer, balancing the pressures of international competition with personal aspirations and the weight of national expectation. His honesty and openness provide a refreshing perspective on the challenges and triumphs of the stunning game.
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