Sports
Enzo Maresca Fine With Cole Palmer’s Anger For Chelsea vs Aston Villa
Enzo Maresca has given his verdict on Cole Palmer‘s reaction to being substituted in Chelsea‘s 2-1 loss to Aston Villa. The English winger started for the Blues but failed to make a significant impact before he was brought off in the 72nd minute.
Ollie Watkins came off the bench to score a brace and help Villa claim a comeback victory against Maresca’s men, who should have been out of sight by half-time. Joao Pedro had given the hosts the lead at Stamford Bridge when he got the slightest of touches on Reece James’ corner.
Palmer made his fifth league appearance since returning from a groin injury, which has hampered his season. His place in England’s side for next summer’s FIFA World Cup is uncertain amid Morgan Rogers’ fine form.
The 23-year-old was about to approach Rogers during a clash between both sets of players before Watkins pulled him away and pointed out that he was being subbed off. He looked bemused by the decision and cut a frustrated figure as he headed to the bench.
Maresca Responds To Palmer Frustration
Palmer’s frustrated response to being replaced by Estevao didn’t go unnoticed, and he even had a word with assistant manager Willy Caballero. Maresca was suspended for the game, so the Italian wasn’t on the touchline but still made team decisions.
Maresca was asked about Palmer’s reaction, and he gave a defiant response to reporters:
“No, no, no. He [Palmer] was working very good. On and off the ball, he was pressing good. We have another game soon.”
Palmer’s reaction sparked much debate online about his temperament and some sided with the Englishman. Footage of his evident frustration surfaced on X:
Another video of the Manchester-born attacker has also gone viral which shows him dropping to his knees after a Blues counter-attacking move was wasted:
Palmer has yet to hit the heights of his two previous seasons at Chelsea amid injury struggles. He’s managed two goals in seven league appearances and watched on as his England rival Rogers produced a brilliant assist for Watkins’ equaliser.
Maresca and his coaching team are being careful with the former Manchester City attacker’s minutes after a gruelling past season. He starred at the FIFA Club World Cup as the west Londoners won the trophy, but the extra fixtures have taken their toll on his fitness.
Theo Walcott: Rogers Starts Over Palmer For England
Palmer and Rogers are two of four players gunning for the number 10 role in Thomas Tuchel’s England side at next year’s World Cup in North America. While the Chelsea man has endured injury setbacks this term, his compatriot has been Villa’s main man and is firing them into an unlikely title challenge.
Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden are also in contention to play behind Harry Kane for the Three Lions but Theo Walcott reckons Rogers is nailed on to be a starter. The former Arsenal winger told BBC Match of the Day earlier this month:
“For me, he (Rogers) is not just going to be in the squad next summer. He is a dead cert to be a starter for England at the World Cup —100%… He does everything, he’s not just a goal threat. I like all [the contenders for the number 10 position], but one of them is going to have to miss out on the squad itself – and Rogers, for me, has to start.”
Palmer looks to be facing an uphill battle to be Tuchel’s number 10 next summer and this is unfortunately, a consequence of playing too much football last season. But he seems certain to be on the plane even if he has to settle for a substitute role as he did at Euro 2024.
