Cole Palmer stays chilled about Chelsea targets despite impressive start to 2024-25 season
BY EDMUND BRACK
edmund@slpmedia.co.uk
Chelsea star Cole Palmer is not putting any pressure on himself to surpass his stellar first season with the club.
His debut Premier League campaign with the Blues saw him score 22 goals and pick up 11 assists.
The England international has continued his superstar form this season and scored his seventh Premier League goal of the season in nine games during the 2-1 win over Newcastle on Sunday.
“I always try to enjoy my football game by game,” Palmer told Sky Sports. “I try not to put pressure on myself.
“Many people on the outside try to put pressure on me to replicate what I did last season, in terms of numbers. It is my second season playing football and I am still very, very young.
“We just try to play our own game, block the noise from the outside. We don’t mind proving people wrong.
“We are all young and we have a top coach, but there are improvements still.”
The former Manchester City attacker also played a wonderful 60-yard pass from his own half to play through Pedro Neto for Nicolas Jackson’s opener.
“It is the reason why people pay,” said Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca of Palmer’s performance against the Magpies.
“They want to see that kind of player and we are very happy to have him here.
“The best thing about Cole is that he never changed – I had him four or five years ago [in Manchester City’s development squad].”
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher told Sky Sports: “This pass over 60 yards, I mean, that’s one of the best passes I’ve seen, never mind this season, but in the Premier League.
“He took two or three Newcastle players out and then just on a plate for Neto.”
Former Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane added: “I love watching this kid.
“Even his awareness when he receives the ball, he knows exactly what’s happening but then to execute the pass…perfect pass, you just run and he’s going to pick you out.”
Chelsea are one point away from the top four and have impressed so far this season under ex-Leicester City boss Maresca, with many having questioned the decision to sack Mauricio Pochettino at the end of last season.
“It was a big win,” said Maresca.
“They’re a very good team – tough and strong.
“The performance was top. We were fantastic on and off the ball.
“The players showed the desire to get three points. It’s fantastic.
“We adjusted things we didn’t like at half-time. The second half was much better with the way we pressed.
“It’s normal to concede some chances to them – they’re good.
“We go game by game. The club never mentioned top four to me, they just wanted me to build something important. The important thing is the feeling we have now.”
PICTURES: PA