The Japan Times - Rosenior in a 'good place' with Fernandez despite Chelsea star's ban

Blues boss Rosenior opted to drop Fernandez for Saturday's 7-0 win over Port Vale in the FA Cup quarter-finals after he hinted he would be willing to leave Stamford Bridge at the end of the season.

Fernandez's agent slammed the suspension as "completely unfair" but he was forced to watch the demolition of third-tier Vale from the stands.

The 25-year-old will be axed again when the Blues face Manchester City in a crucial Premier League clash next weekend in the race to qualify for the Champions League.

Having appeared to court Real Madrid, Fernandez left Rosenior determined to stamp his authority on the squad during a four-game losing streak, including Champions League elimination against Paris Saint-Germain.

But Rosenior said his issues with Fernandez will not fester once the ban is over.

"That's his opinion," said Rosenior of the agent's remarks. "I don't have anything to say on someone else's opinion. Enzo knows what I think of him and it was brilliant to see him here to support the players today.

"In the right time, in the right moment, which isn't now, going through what we've gone through, I'm sure the discussion will happen in terms of what's been said between me and Enzo.

"Enzo and I are in a very good place. I saw him today, had a really good conversation with him today one-to-one. Things aren't what people maybe think they are."

Jorrel Hato and Joao Pedro scored for Chelsea in the first half against Vale before Jordan Lawrence-Gabriel's own goal increased their lead by the interval.

Tosin Adarabioyo, Andrey Santos, Estevao Willian and Alejandro Garnacho netted after the break to complete the rout.

In the absence of Fernandez and Reece James, Cole Palmer was given the captain's armband for the first time, a role which Rosenior believes the England forward is ready to take on.

Palmer is another who has been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge after reports in January claimed he was eager to return home to Manchester.

"I think it's a natural step for Cole where he is in his career," Rosenior said. "He shows leadership. You have different types of leadership. You have players who talk, who organise.

"What Cole does and where he leads is he's so brave and he'll take the ball on the pitch. And if he makes a mistake, he'll take the ball and be positive again.

"That reflects what I want in this team. I felt Cole led the team magnificently in the game today."

Y.Mori--JT