Xabi Alonso sends message to Chelsea fans after Enzo Fernandez boos
Enzo Fernandez received a less then friendly reception upon his return to Chelsea (Photo: Getty) Enzo Fernandez was booed by a section of Stamford Bridge supporters during Chelsea’s final pre-season friendly against Real Sociedad on Saturday. Xabi Alonso’s side finished pre-season with a 3-1 win over the Spanish side as £117million signing Morgan Rogers opened the scoring before Joao Pedro bagged a brace in the second-half. It was the first opportunity for Alonso to test out Rogers and other players making a late return from the World Cup including captain Reece James, new signing Maxence Lacroix and Fernandez. And the midfielder received a less than welcoming return to west London, with a vocal portion of fans booing him as his name was read out on the tannoy before kick-off. Get the latest transfer news every morning Sign up to our daily football newsletter for personalised updates on who your team is trying to sign and who won't be around next season. Upon being subbed on in the second-half and donning the captain’s armband, the jeers returned and continued every time the 25-year-old touched the ball. Not all supporters felt the same way however, as other fans looked to drown out the boos by chanting Fernandez’s name. The divisive reaction has been sparked in part by Fernandez’s behaviour during the World Cup, especially when he taunted England fans during and after Argentina’s semi-final win over the Three Lions. Fernandez booed by large sections of the fans at Stamford Bridge but others chanting his name. A polarising figure. He takes the armband from Reece James. pic.twitter.com/6T9D2bc4V7— Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) August 15, 2026 But the Blues vice-captain has also been strongly linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge for some time, previously engulfing the wrath of the club and fans when he publicly flirted with Real Madrid last season. While a transfer to Spain is off the table, Manchester City are very interested in reuniting Fernandez with Enzo Maresca. Chelsea have made it clear that they will only accept an offer of £120m and had told City that they if no bid was submitted before last Friday evening, he would not be sold. Team Enzo where I was sitting trying to drown out those boos! pic.twitter.com/29ODxuc4pB— Chelseachewyouout (@Chelseachewsit) August 15, 2026 That deadline has come and gone, and while the Blues expect Fernandez to stay for the 2026/27 season, City’s interest has not gone away It is believed Fernandez himself is keen on moving to the Etihad but in any case, it seems the player has some work to do to repair his relationship with the Chelsea faithful. Alonso did not hold a press conference after the Sociedad win but said he was ‘delighted’ with the atmosphere at Stamford Bridge and thanked fans for the ‘great reception’. Xabi Alonso was experiencing the Stamford Bridge atmosphere for the first time as Chelsea manager (Photo: Getty) ‘It was emotional to feel my first time in the new home,’ Alonso, who was appointed manager over the summer, told Chelsea’s official website. ‘A great reception from the supporters to the team and to the new staff, myself as well, so delighted. ‘We want to create good connections and have that support. We want to give them good football so they will give us energy, and we connect. To have a good atmosphere here in the stadium will be a massive boost for the team.’ As for the match itself, the Liverpool legend added: ‘It was a very good last preparation game.’ ‘For some players it was the first one and the last one. For us, there were some good things, some things we can improve. It’s normal at this moment for some players. ‘It was great to have all the team together. Some of them after three days could play for 60 minutes. It was the last test. Now we have a whole week to prepare for Fulham, but it was a good feeling in the stadium.’ For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
