Liam Rosenior has shown his authority after confirming he has dropped Enzo Fernandez for Chelsea's next two matches following the midfielder's recent public comments.
When asked where he sees himself next season while away on international duty with Argentina, Fernandez admitted he 'doesn't know' if he'll still be at Chelsea.
The 25-year-old's comments have plunged his Stamford Bridge future into doubt with Real Madrid heavily linked with making a summer approach as they look to make a new marquee midfield signing.
Although Manchester City's Rodri is also on Los Blancos' shortlist, Fernandez is another candidate to make the switch to the Santiago Bernabeu, although the Blues will not consider an offer below £100 million.
Nevertheless, regardless of what happens once the summer transfer window opens later this year, Rosenior was clearly unimpressed with Fernandez's comments and has decided to take action.
Liam Rosenior confirms Enzo Fernandez dropped for Chelsea's next two games
After Chelsea were dumped out of the Champions League by PSG last month, hopes of winning silverware now firmly rest on the FA Cup.
The Blues are preparing to face League One's Port Vale in the competition's quarter finals on Saturday and will be expecting to book their place in the semi finals. They will have to do so without the help of their number eight, though.
Speaking to Sky Sports ahead of his side's home tie against Port Vale, Rosenior explained how Fernandez had 'crossed a line' which went against the club's culture.
"Firstly, as a character, a person and a player, I have the utmost respect for Enzo Fernandez for what he's achieved in his career.
He's frustrated because he wanted Chelsea to be successful this year. He still wants that, and we still can be.
In terms of the decision, we are aligned in every decision that we make, so it was a joint decision.
The door is not closed on Enzo - that's very important. It's a sanction. You have to protect this club and culture, and in terms of that, the line was crossed in the international break."
As a result of Rosenior's decision, the South American will miss this weekend's FA Cup match as well as Chelsea's next Premier League game against Manchester City.
Fernandez risking wrath of Chelsea fans
Very few football fans begrudge players moving on if it is to the benefit of their career.
However, the problem with Fernandez is that not only has he failed to live up to the near-£107 million Chelsea paid for him, but he's definitely not done enough to warrant a move to Real Madrid; yet he speaks about moving to Spain like it's a given.
Despite mostly playing in an advanced role under Rosenior, the 25-year-old has scored just 12 goals in nearly 50 games this season. These numbers are no where near good enough from a player of Fernandez's ability.
Combined with Chelsea's lack of cutting edge, there is only so much more fans will be willing to tolerate before they turn on their vice-captain, and with a deal until 2032, that is not a situation anyone wants to experience, least of all the player.