In a recent statement on Monday, Chelsea’s manager, Enzo Maresca, highlighted the detrimental impact of the team’s excessive dependence on Cole Palmer, noting that it has adversely affected the player’s performance. The English star is currently experiencing a dry spell, failing to score in his last six matches and providing his last assist 13 games ago.
Palmer’s recent dip in form has significantly contributed to Chelsea’s decline in the Premier League standings, plummeting from second place to seventh. The team has endured a rough patch with only two wins in their last 10 games and has also been ousted from the FA Cup competition.
Since his move from Manchester City to Chelsea in September 2023, Palmer has been a standout performer, notably scoring 22 league goals last season, placing him second only to City’s Erling Haaland, and adding 14 goals this season. However, his frustration was palpable during Chelsea’s recent 2-1 defeat against Aston Villa.
Addressing concerns about Palmer, Maresca expressed a broader worry about the team’s overall performance rather than solely focusing on the individual struggles of the star player. Maresca emphasized the need for a collective team effort rather than relying excessively on one player like Palmer, underscoring that while top players are essential, the team’s success hinges on unity and collaboration.
Despite facing three consecutive defeats, Chelsea looks to bounce back with a potential victory as they host bottom-placed Southampton at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday. A win in this fixture could propel Chelsea back into contention for a Champions League qualification spot, with the Premier League expected to have five slots for the upcoming season’s competition.
Maresca acknowledged that Palmer’s displays on the field mirror the team’s struggles in finding the back of the net, stressing the importance of being more clinical in front of goal. He reassured that Palmer’s frustration stems from the team’s overall performance and results, rather than personal concerns.
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