Maresca’s Verdict
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has admitted that Cole Palmer’s recent dip in form is a concern, but insists that the Blues’ struggles are a collective issue—not just down to the young playmaker.
Palmer, who has been Chelsea’s standout performer this season, has gone six games without a goal or assist. With the Blues winning just twice in their last 10 matches, their Champions League hopes are fading fast.
Despite the slump, Maresca remains confident in Palmer’s work ethic and commitment. The Italian revealed that during Chelsea’s latest fitness tests, Palmer emerged as the fittest player in the squad—proving his dedication on and off the pitch.
“When things are not going well for him, he trains even harder. Absolutely. I love that,” Maresca said. “People see Cole as the solution, but the solution has to be the team.”
The Chelsea boss dismissed any suggestion of resting Palmer for the upcoming clash against Southampton, emphasizing that the 21-year-old remains a game-changer.
While Palmer’s lack of direct goal contributions is concerning, Maresca believes his presence on the pitch continues to be valuable. “He is getting into the right positions. I am not concerned about Cole. He is human, and there will be moments where he struggles,” he added.
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With Chelsea’s season hanging in the balance, Maresca has urged the entire squad to step up, rather than relying solely on Palmer to turn things around.
