Enzo Maresca has suggested that Cole Palmer’s recent struggles may be internal, as Chelsea seek a crucial turnaround in their season.
After a blistering start to life at Stamford Bridge, Cole Palmer’s form has nosedived over the past few months. The forward, who had notched 14 goals in his first 23 appearances for Chelsea, has found it difficult to replicate that level of performance recently. His dip has coincided with a rough patch for the club, which has seen them slide from second place in the Premier League standings to sixth, now outside of the Champions League qualification spots.
Speaking about Palmer’s situation, Maresca emphasized that the issue is not tactical or technical. He firmly believes the forward’s struggles are mental rather than anything to do with the team’s setup or style of play. According to the coach, there have been no significant changes at the club, in training routines, or within the tactical framework that would explain Palmer’s downturn.
“For sure, it’s mental,” Maresca said. “I don’t think it’s tactical, I don’t think it’s technical, because Cole is still the same player that scored for us earlier this season. The style of football is the same, the manager is the same, and the club is the same. So, nothing changes around Cole, and Cole himself doesn’t change. It’s just mentally in this moment.”
Maresca made it clear that the coaching staff continues to create the best possible environment for players to thrive. They have kept consistency in their methods and offered the necessary support to help the squad maintain top performance levels. The manager noted that Palmer’s current issues are not unique in football, where players occasionally experience periods when the goals or assists dry up despite no fundamental changes in ability or effort.
“The reality is that Cole is the same, the style of play is the same, the manager is the same, the club is the same. It’s just football that, in this moment, he is missing the goal. No more than that,” Maresca added.
Palmer’s inability to impact games has been a major talking point as Chelsea prepare for a crucial stretch of matches. The club’s ambitions to secure Champions League football next season heavily depend on getting their star players firing again, and Palmer’s form is seen as key to achieving that objective.
Maresca has stressed the importance of finishing the season strong, underlining that qualifying for the Champions League will have a direct influence on the club’s summer transfer plans. Missing out on Europe’s premier competition could significantly limit Chelsea’s ability to attract top talents or hold onto key players.
With a decisive match against Everton on the horizon, all eyes will be on Palmer to rediscover his sharpness and lead Chelsea’s push for a top-four finish. His ability to bounce back from this slump could define not only his season but also the trajectory of Chelsea’s immediate future.
As the pressure mounts, the challenge for Palmer is as much about mental resilience as it is about his footballing ability. Chelsea fans, who have seen glimpses of his brilliance, will be hoping that a return to form is just around the corner.
