'Who wouldn't play for Real Madrid?' - Gary Lineker questions Liam Rosenior's 'odd' Enzo Fernandez ban decision at Chelsea

Rosenior cracks down on Fernandez

Chelsea boss Rosenior took a firm stance by

Lineker defends Bernabeu ambition

Lineker has jumped to the defence of the £107 million midfielder, arguing that expressing an interest in joining Madrid is a natural ambition rather than a slight against Chelsea. The pundit also highlighted a perceived inconsistency in the club's disciplinary measures, with Marc Cucurella escaping punishment for

Speaking on

Stamford Bridge culture under scrutiny

Rosenior has prioritised squad discipline to salvage a turbulent season, despite Fernandez contributing 12 goals and six assists this term. The manager insists the internal sanction was necessary to protect the club’s evolving culture. Explaining his decision, Rosenior added: "It’s disappointing for Enzo to speak that way. I have got no bad words to say about him, but a line was crossed in terms of our culture and what we want to build. As a character, a person and a player, I have the utmost respect. He’s frustrated because he wants us to be successful. In terms of the decision, it’s not all about me, or the sporting directors. The ownership, the players, we are aligned in our decision. The door is not closed on Enzo. It’s a sanction. You have to protect the culture, and in terms of that, a line was crossed."

Wembley date looms for Blues

Chelsea must navigate their upcoming Premier League fixtures without their midfield talisman before a massive FA Cup semi-final clash against Leeds United at Wembley. The pressure is on Rosenior to reintegrate Fernandez effectively, especially as the player remains under contract until 2032. Failure to resolve this tension quickly could jeopardise Chelsea’s silverware dreams and intensify speculation regarding a summer approach from Madrid.