Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has strongly defended Cole Palmer’s happiness at the club, following comments from pundit Troy Deeney suggesting that the young forward has become “frustrated.”
Deeney’s remarks came after Chelsea’s 2-1 victory over Newcastle United, where he claimed Palmer expressed unhappiness about being substituted.
However, Maresca clarified that Palmer completed the full match against Newcastle and emphasized that the 22-year-old is thriving in his role.
Palmer, who has emerged as Chelsea’s most vital attacking player, has only been substituted twice in the opening nine Premier League games this season, specifically during wins against Wolves and West Ham.
Ahead of their upcoming clash with Newcastle in the last 16 of the Carabao Cup, Maresca expressed confidence in Palmer’s state of mind. “I can see him enjoying,” Maresca stated when asked about the player’s disposition.
“That is the most important thing, that they can enjoy playing football. You can see he is continuing to improve, no matter what position he is playing. He did fantastic against Newcastle on Sunday. They have to work hard and enjoy.”
Palmer’s contributions have been remarkable this season, with seven goals and five assists across nine Premier League appearances.
In his debut season with Chelsea, he notably broke Eden Hazard’s club record for the most goals and assists in a single Premier League campaign, underlining his importance to the team.
In addition, Maresca provided an update on Jadon Sancho, who is on loan from Manchester United but has not featured in the last two matches.
Addressing concerns about Sancho’s absence, Maresca explained, “Jadon is doing well. For sure, players cannot maintain the same level all season because the amount of games is huge.
The last two games he didn’t play because of a tactical decision; no more than that. For sure, he will play many games.”