Roger Schmidt, the manager of Benfica, has criticized Enzo Fernandez’s attitude in pushing to get a stunning £106.8m move to Chelsea.
After a month of negotiations that twice broke down, the clubs ultimately reached an agreement on a British record deal on the frantic deadline day. The sum exceeded the £100m Manchester City paid for Jack Grealish in 2021.
ENZO FERNANDEZ IS THE PREMIER LEAGUE’S MOST EXPENSIVE PLAYER EVER 💸 pic.twitter.com/SLAa8fD1eW
— GOAL (@goal) February 1, 2023
Fernandez, who was recently awarded the best young player at the World Cup, scored four goals and recorded seven assists during his six-month spell at the club, and Schmidt was desperate for him to stay.
However, the manager, having confirmed that “the deal is done”, has gone public with his disappointment of the midfielder’s stance in the process of leaving Benfica to Chelsea.
Speaking after Benfica’s 3-0 away win at Arouca, Schmidt said: “It’s always difficult to lose a good player in the winter market.
Trending Stories: Manchester United Complete Marcel Sabitzer Loan Signing
“But today we showed that we are a good team without him, that we are capable of playing good football without him, that the players are focused on getting the most points, to be champions.
“Benfica is much bigger than a player, we just need players who are happy to play for Benfica, who are passionate.
We had a player who wanted to leave and a club willing to pay the clause, we couldn’t do anything. We accepted and looked ahead.”
COMMENTS