Fernandez Thriving at Chelsea after Getting to Grips with Maresca’s Positional Demands

Football - Premier League - Chelsea v Brentford - Stamford Bridge, London, Britain - December 15, 2024 Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez applauds fans after the match. (Action Images via Reuters)
Football - Premier League - Chelsea v Brentford - Stamford Bridge, London, Britain - December 15, 2024 Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez applauds fans after the match. (Action Images via Reuters)
TT

Fernandez Thriving at Chelsea after Getting to Grips with Maresca’s Positional Demands

Football - Premier League - Chelsea v Brentford - Stamford Bridge, London, Britain - December 15, 2024 Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez applauds fans after the match. (Action Images via Reuters)
Football - Premier League - Chelsea v Brentford - Stamford Bridge, London, Britain - December 15, 2024 Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez applauds fans after the match. (Action Images via Reuters)

Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez struggled to live up to his hefty price tag following his arrival at the club in January last year but the Argentine says his recent upturn in form is down to developing a good understanding with coach Enzo Maresca.

Fernandez, who cost Chelsea 106 million pounds ($132 million), started six of their first seven league matches this season but failed to impress and was dropped to the bench in place of Romeo Lavia.

However, since his return to the side last month Fernandez has looked revitalized, bagging three goals and four assists in seven Premier League games and helping Chelsea climb to second.

"I learned the position in which I had to play, over time I got the idea of what the coach wanted," Fernandez told ESPN in an interview published on Monday.

"He (Maresca) explained to me what he wanted and I was getting the concept, reading the games. There is still a long way to go.

"On a personal level I have been feeling very good. The team has shown a very strong character, always working and with humility and showing that great things can be achieved. There is still a long way to go."

Chelsea next host London rivals Fulham on Thursday before travelling to face Ipswich Town on Dec. 30.



Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo to Return on January 17-18

Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo 2025 will take place at AlFursan Equestrian Village in AlUla. SPA
Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo 2025 will take place at AlFursan Equestrian Village in AlUla. SPA
TT

Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo to Return on January 17-18

Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo 2025 will take place at AlFursan Equestrian Village in AlUla. SPA
Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo 2025 will take place at AlFursan Equestrian Village in AlUla. SPA

Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo, the world’s first organized desert polo tournament, will return to AlUla from January 17 to 18, 2025, offering a spectacular celebration of top-class sport, culture, and equestrian heritage.
Organized by the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) in partnership with the Saudi Polo Federation, Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo 2025 will take place at AlFursan Equestrian Village within the stunning surroundings of the ancient oasis city.
"This tournament has become a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s sports and social calendar, showcasing the unique blend of tradition and modernity that defines our region,” said Chief Sports Officer at the RCU Ziad AlSuhaibani.

“We look forward to continuing to inspire, connect, and elevate the global appreciation of equestrian sports, while aligning with the Saudi Vision 2030's goals of enhancing cultural tourism and offering world-class sporting experiences in the Kingdom,” he added.
Richard Mille is returning as the title sponsor of the event, underscoring the brand’s commitment to excellence in sports and events as well as reinforcing its partnership with this one-of-a-kind polo tournament.
The two-day event will feature a blend of world-class polo, history, heritage, and glamour, making it an unmissable occasion on Saudi Arabia’s sports and social calendar.
Some of the top players in global polo are set to participate in the tournament, including Argentine world-famous polo player Adolfo Cambiaso, founder and captain of La Dolfina Polo Team.
Joining Cambiaso in AlUla will be his son Adolfo "Poroto" Cambiaso and his daughter Mia Cambiaso. Other notable players include Nacho Figueras – dubbed the “David Beckham of polo” – and Pablo Mac Donough. Additionally, more professional female players will again participate after their debut at the 2024 tournament.
The event will feature six teams of three players, comprising one professional, one international patron, and one dignitary. Two days of action-packed matches will see the teams battle for the prestigious Desert Polo trophy.