It’s not what people think – Liam Rosenior in a ‘good place’ with Enzo Fernandez

Liam Rosenior said things are “not what people think” between him and Enzo Fernandez after the midfielder watched from the stands as Chelsea beat Port Vale 7-0 to reach the FA Cup semi-finals.

The agent of the World Cup winner, Javier Pastore, on Friday described as “completely unfair” Rosenior’s decision to remove Fernandez from the team for two matches following comments made during the international break in which he appeared to court Real Madrid.

The 25-year-old will also miss next Sunday’s Premier League game against Manchester City, which could prove to be a warm-up for a cup meeting between the teams at Wembley later in April.

Rosenior would not be drawn on Pastore’s comments and reiterated all is well in the camp after the League One strugglers were dispatched.

“That’s his opinion,” said Rosenior of the agent’s remarks. “I don’t have anything to say on someone else’s opinion. Enzo knows what I think of him and it was brilliant to see him here to support the players today.

“In the right time, in the right moment, which isn’t now, going through what we’ve gone through, I’m sure the discussion will happen in terms of what’s been said between me and Enzo.

“Enzo and I are in a very good place. I saw him today, had a really good conversation with him today one-to-one. Things aren’t what people maybe think they are.”

After back to back Premier League defeats and a Champions League humbling by Paris St Germain, this was further humiliation avoided by Chelsea and with room to spare.

Jorrel Hato and Joao Pedro scored in the first half – Hato’s goal coming after 64 seconds – then Cole Palmer forced an own goal from Jordan Lawrence-Gabriel to make it three by the break.

Tosin Adarabioyo, Andrey Santos and Estevao added three