Chelsea squad respect for Enzo Fernández 'clear' - Enzo Maresca

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has defended his decision to give Enzo Fernández the captain's armband during Chelsea's preseason friendly with Real Madrid , saying it is "quite clear" he is respected in the squad.

The midfielder was given the role despite the racist scandal that emerged following his Copa América win with Argentina .

The 23-year-old captained his side in the second half of Chelsea's 2-1 defeat to Real Madrid, taking over from Reece James who had previously said Fernández could cause a "problem" within the Chelsea camp.

During the celebrations of Argentina's Copa América victory Fernández posted a video in which the midfielder, along with several other players, sang a racist and derogatory chant about the heritage of some France players.

Chelsea defender and teammate Wesley Fofana branded the video as "uninhibited racism" and the club issued a statement condemning Fernández's actions .

The Argentinean has since apologised for the video and Maresca has defended Fernández' actions saying he had "no bad intentions."

Following the decision to give Fernández the captaincy, Maresca said: "He's one of the important players.

"To be honest, I think when we changed Reece, he gave the bracelet [captain armband] to Enzo and this shows how Enzo is respected inside the squad. I think it's quite clear."

When asked if he felt team spirit could be affected by the fallout from Fernández's controversy, Maresca said: "I don't think so to be honest.

"I spoke with Enzo but as I said, I spoke with all of them. The situation is quite clear. He did already a statement apologising, the club did the same so."

Chelsea play Inter Milan on Sunday in their final preseason friendly before opening their 2024-25 Premier League season against Manchester City .