Enzo Maresca’s Support for Cole Palmer
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has expressed his confidence in Cole Palmer, the 22-year-old England international, who has been struggling with his form and a goal drought that has now extended to seven matches. Despite the recent dip in performance, Palmer showed signs of returning to his best during Chelsea’s 4-0 victory over Southampton in the Premier League on Tuesday. Maresca, speaking to TNT Sports after the game, emphasized the normalcy of such slumps, drawing from his experience with former top players who have also faced similar challenges. "You have old former players, who have been big players and all of them went through some bad moments," Maresca said. "It’s normal. It’s like a team, it’s like a player. You cannot expect Cole Palmer, every season or every game, to be like last season or the first part of the season."
The Human Side of Football
Maresca’s approach to guiding Palmer through this tough period is rooted in understanding and empathy. He reminded the young player that setbacks are a natural part of any career, and that the key lies in how one reacts to them. "He’s missing a goal, he’s missing some things. Now, it’s how you react," Maresca explained. "So I was telling him that everything is normal. He’s happy, he’s okay." Palmer’s career, despite his youth, has been fortunate in that he has shared moments and a changing room with top players, which has given him a valuable perspective. "He knows that any top player, they go through bad moments. It’s how you react," Maresca added. The manager’s advice to Palmer is simple yet profound: "Keep calm, keep working, keep laughing, be happy, enjoy the football. It’s the only thing you have to do."
Chelsea’s Return to Form
The 4-0 win at Stamford Bridge was a much-needed boost for Chelsea, ending a run of just two victories across 10 Premier League games. This victory not only lifted the spirits of the team but also temporarily returned them to the top four of the league table. However, Maresca is well aware that this position might be short-lived, as Manchester City and Newcastle are set to play their matches against Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool, respectively, the following day. Both matches will be broadcast live on TNT Sports and discovery+. Despite the potential for a temporary top-four spot, qualifying for the UEFA Champions League remains Chelsea’s primary objective. The win against Southampton is a step in the right direction, and Maresca hopes it will be a catalyst for the team’s resurgence.
Christopher Nkunku’s Role and Performance
Another player who could play a crucial role in Chelsea’s Champions League ambitions is Christopher Nkunku. Like Palmer, Nkunku has not been at his best in recent months, with just one goal in his last 12 appearances. That solitary goal came against a fourth-tier side, Morecambe, in the FA Cup. However, Nkunku broke his goal drought by scoring the opening goal against Southampton. Maresca expressed his satisfaction with Nkunku’s performance, while also acknowledging that the team expects more from him. "I’m happy with him," Maresca said. "I know that he can give more. We expect more from him."
Nkunku’s Positional Flexibility
Maresca highlighted the challenges of finding the right position for Nkunku, who is not a traditional striker or winger. "In the same time, we try to understand him, in terms of he’s not a nine. Many games he has played as a nine. He’s not a winger. Tonight he was a winger," the manager explained. Nkunku’s versatility is both a strength and a challenge, as the team tries to maximize his contributions. "He is an attacking midfielder. The problem is that sometimes, to find balance, we already used Cole there, so we try to use him in different positions," Maresca added. The manager also noted that Nkunku’s role at Brighton away was primarily to receive the ball, but the team needed more threat in behind. "The reason why we start to use Pedro [Neto as the central striker] was for that," Maresca explained.
Looking Ahead
With the Premier League and UEFA Champions League on the horizon, Maresca and his team are focused on building momentum and consistency. The win against Southampton is a positive sign, and the manager hopes it will inspire the players to perform at their best in the coming matches. "Stream the 2024/25 Premier League and UEFA Champions League live on TNT Sports and discovery+," Maresca concluded, inviting fans to stay connected with the team’s journey. As Chelsea continues to navigate the ups and downs of the season, the support and guidance of their manager, along with the resilience and determination of their players, will be crucial in achieving their goals.
