Chelsea manager Enzo Fernández was interviewed by Roger Bennett, presenter of the "Men in Blazers" podcast, where he discussed his first season as Chelsea manager and his ambitions for the Premier League. Fernández explained why he chose Chelsea, his tactical philosophy, his relationship with Mikel Arteta, and other related topics. Below is the second part of the interview.

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Before this summer, Chelsea's recruitment focused heavily on young players, but during this transfer window you've changed that approach. You brought in 35-year-old Danny Welbeck, who had an excellent season at Brighton, and 36-year-old Jordan Henderson from Brentford. According to you, he is respected by his teammates and important to the squad. Javi, what did Chelsea's dressing room culture need before, and what can these experienced players with unique character bring?

Enzo Fernández - For me, it's about potential, as I've said before. I really like the current squad. But we have areas where we can improve. These are things I've learned from analyzing as an outsider and from communicating with the squad and players to understand what they need. There's no doubt that everything needs the right balance. Physically we need balance, and between quality and experience we need balance. Similarly, we need balance between young players who need to develop and experienced players who can help others grow. Nothing is perfect, but at least we've made the right decisions at the right time, and in football that matters. Now we're on the right track for this new project.

So what exactly was missing when you looked at this squad? Can you put it in your own words?

Enzo Fernández - The squad has quality, but they've lacked the resilience that comes from experiencing instability and difficulties. We need experience in how to respond when things aren't smooth, and we need leadership that can guide young players. This isn't a secret in football. Young players need support, and that support typically comes from experienced players who have played in many matches and know how to win games and prepare for each one.

Another notable newcomer is Austin MacPhee, the Scottish assistant coach with a unique track record. You brought him from Aston Villa to Chelsea. How much time are you giving Austin in training? His tactical ideas are quite complex. What can Chelsea fans expect from this?

Enzo Fernández - We want to have the best experts in every department. There's no doubt that Austin has extensive Premier League experience. For our coaching staff, learning the Premier League quickly and adapting is a challenge. We have people around us from last year who are here, and other people with fresh Premier League experience who can help Austin. They know how to win matches and how to prepare for each one. That's been very helpful, and Austin enjoys working with us.

What should the squad expect this season?

Enzo Fernández - For me, I don't need to say this—I need to show it and deliver on the pitch, because words are often empty. I could say "everyone should expect us to score 100 goals," but we need to take action and deliver results on the pitch.

"Actions speak louder than words"

Enzo Fernández - Yes, exactly.

You mentioned adapting your tactical style to suit the Premier League. I'm an Everton fan, and I've seen other teams beat the Premier League. You know it well. How do you see this? For a manager, adapting your own philosophy to suit the Premier League is a completely different process.

Enzo Fernández - Yes. It's a process that's necessary. But it's also part of the challenge of being a Premier League manager. Every league is different. There are different details. I've managed in the Bundesliga and La Liga. I'll quickly discover new things and quickly understand them. It's a process of continuous learning and adaptation.

So in your own words, what kind of football style should Chelsea fans expect under your leadership?

Enzo Fernández - Actions speak louder than words.

Okay, just a small hint—no one's listening.

Enzo Fernández - No. We want to play beautiful football, football that gives us confidence, and on the pitch we know exactly what we want.

That's impressive for me. This season, 20% of new Premier League managers come from the Basque Country. You're from Aston Villa, Unai Emery from Manchester United, Andoni Iraola from Liverpool, and Mikel Arteta from Arsenal are among them. When I mention Mikel, you smiled. It's well known that you and he grew up on the same street in San Sebastián from childhood, and you both played together in the youth academy for nine years. When you played for Liverpool and he was a star player for Everton, I believe you were neighbors. Can you describe what kind of friendship you've maintained over these years? Now that you're competitors in the Premier League, do you expect this relationship to change?

Enzo Fernández - No, it hasn't changed. Our friendship and mutual respect haven't changed because of competition. The reason is that the system he's built at Arsenal is truly unique and a long-term process. It's similar with Andoni. He doesn't live on the same street as me, but it's only about a 10-minute walk. I'm very proud and pleased to see four Basque managers competing in the Premier League.

Do you stay in touch with them?

Enzo Fernández - We've been in contact since childhood.

Do you believe the information they share with you this season?

Enzo Fernández - Haha, let's skip that topic.

Let me return to the important point. As you anticipate everything that comes with your first Premier League season, what would make this season a success for you? What's the minimum standard that would make you proud?

When we win the matches we should win, when we show full attacking intent on the pitch, when we take pride in what we present, when we're ready to compete in every match with the football we play, I believe we'll have a successful season. That will also guide us toward reaching the highest possible level.

How will you measure all of this?

Enzo Fernández - Time will tell us where we end up. But our objective is to reach the highest possible position.

Javi Enzo Fernández, all the best for you and your family and club. Thank you.

Enzo Fernández - Thank you very much.

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