"There is no pressure" - Chelsea star Enzo Fernandez urges Blues to 'enjoy' game against Real Madrid and play without fear

Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez has urged his teammates to play without fear against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The Blues head to Madrid for the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarterfinal on Wednesday (April 12) to take on the holders. Chelsea have been in dire form this season, sitting 11th in the league and will start as the heavy underdogs.

However, Fernandez has told his teammates to enjoy the occasion against Los Blancos (via football.london):

“I try not to have pressure in football, just to enjoy it. There is responsibility in this match, but there is no pressure. I always try to enjoy. You don’t have to be afraid, and lets hope tomorrow is a big show."

Fernandez added that he doesn't feel under pressure to impress in the clash with Real Madrid:

"No pressure. I’m going to try and enjoy the match. I don’t think I have to prove anything to anyone, and I’ll give my best as I always do."

The Argentine midfielder has been one of the few positives in a season to forget for Chelsea. He arrived at Stamford Bridge in January from Benfica for a British transfer record £106.8 million fee and has made 12 appearances across competitions, providing two assists.

Frank Lampard's Blues will have their task cut out against the most successful team in UEFA Champions League history. Real Madrid have won the competition 14 times and won the La Liga-Champions League double last season.

Chelsea will take confidence from Carlo Ancelotti's side's topsy-turvy form this season. Madrid managed an incredible 4-0 Copa del Rey semifinal win over Barcelona on April 5 only to lose 3-2 to Villarreal in the league three days later.

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Chelsea legend Joe Cole talks up former side's chances against Real Madrid

Frank Lampard has returned to the Stamford Bridge dugout.

Joe Cole has said that the gap between the the Blues and Madrid is not as big as some think. The Blues sit precariously mid-table in the Premier League and are out of all domestic cup competitions. Meanwhile, Real Madrid are second in La Liga - 13 points behind Barcelona - and are in the Copa del Rey final.

However, Cole reckons many are underestimating the threat posed by the West Londoners, telling BT Sport:

“It’s a tall order for Chelsea, but I don’t think the gap is as big as people think."

Cole touched on the influence Lampard could have in galvanising his players for such a game. The Englishman succeded Graham Potter as caretaker boss last week:

“He certainly can. Like Frank said in his interview, it’s a difficult season for Chelsea, and they’re in the quarterfinals of the Champions League."

The former player added:

“You have to put that into perspective with where the club has been for the last 20 years. There is a big change. We’ve had 30 players change, managers, owners, everything – it’s a big, big change.”

The Blues won 3-2 on their last visit to the Bernabeu last year.