Chelsea Need To Manage Expectations For Cole Palmer Amidst Recent Struggles, Says Enzo Maresca

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Enzo Maresca has cautioned Chelsea against expecting Cole Palmer to consistently replicate his outstanding performance from last season. During a 4-0 victory over Southampton, other players stepped up as Palmer struggled to find form. Last season, he scored 22 goals and assisted 11 times in the Premier League. However, since the start of this year, he hasn't been involved in any goals for seven consecutive matches.

Palmer's recent performance saw him take 26 shots with an expected goals (xG) total of 2.8, yet he failed to score. Against Southampton, he missed two good chances in the first half. Despite this, Chelsea secured a win with goals from Christopher Nkunku, Pedro Neto, Levi Colwill, and Marc Cucurella. Maresca had previously warned about Chelsea's over-reliance on Palmer.

Before their win against Southampton, Chelsea had lost three consecutive matches across all competitions. This poor run saw them drop to seventh place in the Premier League and exit the FA Cup. The victory was crucial as it propelled them back into the top four before Newcastle United and Manchester City played their matches on Wednesday.

Maresca emphasised the significance of securing three points after a series of disappointing results. "We all needed that," he stated. He acknowledged that while their performances were generally strong, they faced challenges against Brighton. The team needed this win to regain confidence and maintain their position in the top four.

Speaking to TNT Sports after the match, Maresca explained that Palmer was bound to experience a dip in form at some point. "We are all former players," Maresca said. "All of us went through some bad moments." He reassured Palmer that such phases are normal and encouraged him to stay positive and enjoy playing football.

Maresca highlighted that Palmer has shared dressing rooms with top players who have also faced challenging periods. He advised Palmer to focus on working hard, staying calm, and enjoying the game as these are essential for overcoming difficult times.

Looking Ahead

Chelsea now have a week off before facing Copenhagen in their Europa Conference League last-16 tie on March 6. Following this match, they will host Leicester City at Stamford Bridge three days later. Maresca remains optimistic about his team's prospects despite recent setbacks.

The coach has been pushing his players to trust the process during challenging times over the past month and a half. He praised their dedication and hard work every day, believing it will help them navigate through tough periods successfully.

The upcoming fixtures present an opportunity for Chelsea to build momentum and solidify their position in both domestic and European competitions. With key players stepping up alongside Palmer, they aim to continue delivering strong performances on the field.