Benfica coach Roger Schmidt was asked about Enzo Fernandez’s future prior to Benfica’s clash with Braga.
Fernandez has been heavily linked with Liverpool, Real Madrid, Manchester United, and Chelsea.
In recent days reports circulated that Sporting Director Rui Costa met with Fernandez in an effort to convince him to stay.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Schmidt had the following to say on Fernandez’s future:
“Enzo? Until December 31st we are sure that we have all the players and nobody can leave. For now, we’re on the eve of the game and I’m calm. Then the market opens up and when you have players with great talent, you always run the risk of losing players. For now, we’re focused on tomorrow’s game.”
Reporter: Enzo is in the clouds, how do you plan to bring him back to earth?
“For these players, winning the World Cup in the middle of the season… Normally, when you win the World Cup, there’s a vacation to follow, but here it’s different. They played the World Cup in December.
“It’s hard for the players, it’s hard for them to return to to be ready for the domestic competitions, but both Otamendi and Enzo always showed a great attitude. Always with a lot of intensity and rhythm in every game. They are the only two players in our team who kept the rhythm. I hope that tomorrow they will seize the opportunity “.
Speaking of Enzo’s trip to Argentina at the end of the year:
“I don’t know anything about that. I don’t follow things that appear on social media. We are a professional football team and the rules are for all players. It is important that they rest between games and there are no exceptions.”
Reporter: Did you talk to Enzo? Asked you to stay?
“I can’t reveal those conversations. When I talk to the players, these are things I keep to myself. What I can say is what I’ve already said.
“We all know what football is like. These young people have opportunities, and it’s not just about Enzo. If they have opportunities, they have to make decisions, and I respect them. I can advise them, but they only have one career. If I can convince them or influence them in a certain way, I try to do it, but I accept their decisions”.
