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<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="better-collective-widget">{"type":"better-collective-widget","data":{}}</script><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><ul><li>Maresca appears to confirm Fernandez as deputy</li><li>Chelsea captain is Reece James</li><li>Fernandez has worn armband multiple times</li></ul><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script>

Enzo Maresca appears to confirm Enzo Fernandez as Chelsea's vice-captain for 2024-25 season after moving on from Copa America racism controversy

Premier League

Bournemouth

Chelsea

LaLiga

Real Sociedad

Real Madrid

<p>Fernandez took the armband from James during <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/real-madrid-chelsea-winners-losers/bltf6cc10dbd9119078" target="_blank">Chelsea's pre-season clash with Real Madrid</a>, suggesting that the Argentina midfielder has been chosen as Maresca's new deputy. While there has not been an official announcement, the Blues boss believes the situation is "quite clear".</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>Fernandez has been a controversial figure in recent weeks, having sparked <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/lionel-messi-request-argentine-politician-fired-deputy-sports-minister-inter-miami-apologise-racist-chant-kylian-mbappe-france/bltc3744f7d84b2c7f6" target="_blank">what could have been an international diplomatic incident</a> by posting a video of himself and several Argentina team-mates singing a racist song about French players. <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/enzo-fernandez-apology-france-song-argentina-copa-america-celebrations-chelsea-furious/blt138381b0c45d3e94" target="_blank">Fernandez apologised, but the furore left Chelsea furious</a>.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>Maresca gave a telling response when asked whether Fernandez is the official vice-captain after Chelsea's 2-1 defeat to Real. <span>"He's one of the important players," he said. "To be honest, I think when we changed Reece he gave the 'bracelet' to Enzo and this shows how Enzo is respected inside the squad. I think it's quite clear."</span></p>

WHAT MARESCA SAID

<p>Chelsea play Inter Milan on Sunday in their final pre-season friendly before opening their 2024-25 Premier League season against Manchester City.</p>

WHAT NEXT?

Enzo Maresca appears to confirm Enzo Fernandez as Chelsea's vice-captain for 2024-25 season after moving on from Copa America racism controversy | Goal.com US

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has seemingly confirmed that midfielder Enzo Fernandez is his vice-captain for the new season. 

Enzo Maresca appears to confirm Enzo Fernandez as Chelsea&apos;s vice-captain for 2024-25 season after moving on from Copa America racism controversy