Chelsea Boss Enzo Maresca Challenges Cole Palmer to Take Early Initiative in Matches
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has issued a challenge to star midfielder Cole Palmer, urging the 22-year-old to take greater responsibility from the first whistle. This comes after Palmer publicly expressed frustration over Chelsea’s playing style following their 4-1 UEFA Conference League final victory over Real Betis.
Despite the emphatic win, Palmer admitted in a post-match interview that he was “sick of getting the ball and going backwards and sideways,” highlighting his desire for a more progressive and attacking approach.
Palmer's Comments Spark Tactical Conversation with Maresca
Palmer, who played a key role in Chelsea’s comeback with two quickfire assists in the second half of that final, again impressed during Chelsea’s 2-0 win over LAFC in their Club World Cup 2025 opener. After the match, Maresca confirmed he held a one-on-one meeting with Palmer to discuss his role and responsibilities.
“I had a conversation with Cole today and I told him I really liked the way he played – taking responsibility, taking the initiative,” Maresca said. “That’s the Cole we want to see.”
Maresca directly addressed Palmer’s frustrations from the Conference League final:
“He said he was bored receiving the ball and passing backwards. So I told him: ‘Why are you waiting? Why not do something different from the first minute?’”
Maresca praised Palmer’s performance against LAFC, describing him as Chelsea’s top player and expressing hope that the England international continues to lead by example.
Chelsea’s Attack Shines with Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernández Goals
The victory over Los Angeles FC saw goals from Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernández, both resulting from slick assists by Chelsea’s forward line. Nicolas Jackson created Neto’s first-half opener, while new £30 million signing Liam Delap set up Fernández with a composed assist on his debut.
Delap, who arrived from Ipswich Town, impressed during his half-hour cameo and earned high praise from Maresca.
“Both Jackson and Delap are very good number nines,” said the Chelsea boss. “Hopefully, they keep scoring and assisting like they did today.”
Maresca emphasized the importance of shared attacking responsibility:
“I prefer having four or five players scoring 10–12 goals each, rather than one player scoring 40. Enzo scored again today too, and that helps.”
Maresca Confident in Chelsea’s New Attacking Depth
Reflecting on last season’s injury struggles in the forward department, Maresca expressed optimism about Chelsea’s new-look strike force and versatile attacking options.
“When you’ve got options like Nico and Liam, it’s a great feeling for a coach,” he said. “You know whoever you pick will do a good job.”
With Cole Palmer stepping up, strikers firing, and squad depth improving, Chelsea appear well-positioned to push for success in the FIFA Club World Cup and beyond.