In a meeting with the press after winning the title in Portugal, Roger Schmidt underlined the blind confidence he has in the future of Enzo Fernandez. His former coach at Benfica summed up the season and addressed the Argentine's departure to the Blues in January after several turbulent weeks without "a very important player".
"It was difficult to prepare for his departure and to come up with an alternative. He was a very important player, especially in the build-up," admitted the German coach.
Despite the Argentine midfielder's controversial departure from the club after just half a season, Schmidt defended his former star, who is enjoying a less good spell in London, and assured that "he will show all the quality he has in the future".
"It was no coincidence the amount they paid for him," said the Lisbon boss, referring to the 121 million euros paid by Chelsea, the biggest deal in the history of the Premier League.