Chelsea head coach and boss, Enzo Maresca has come out in full support of Cole Palmer amid the forward’s recent dry spell in front of goal, suggesting the issue lies more with Palmer’s self-belief than with the team’s tactics. The 22-year-old had a stunning start to the campaign, netting 14 goals in just 23 appearances, but has now gone 16 consecutive matches without scoring for the Blues this season.
Palmer, who joined Chelsea from Manchester City last summer, quickly emerged as one of the club’s standout performers. His creativity, composure, pace, physical and finishing ability gave Chelsea fans plenty of reason to be excited. However, the second half of the season has painted a different picture, with Palmer struggling to replicate his early-season form.
Speaking in a recent press conference, Maresca, who previously worked with Palmer during his time at Manchester City, dismissed suggestions that Chelsea’s tactics were to blame for the young attacker’s dip. Instead, he pointed to a natural loss of confidence that all players experience from time to time.
“Cole Palmer is a human being,” Maresca said. “At this moment, Cole struggles to score, but he’s happy and he knows exactly it’s something normal. These kinds of phases happen, especially to young players, and the most important thing is that he keeps working and doesn’t lose faith in himself.”
Enzo Maresca went on to emphasize that Palmer’s overall contribution to the team remains valuable, even if the goals have dried up. The manager also addressed the psychological burden placed on the England international, given the team's heavy reliance on him for attacking output throughout the season.
“The problem with Cole is probably that we rely on him for everything,” Maresca admitted. “Of course, we need big players, top players like Cole, but we are not worried about him at all. These moments are part of the game.”
Palmer’s versatility and willingness to take on responsibility have earned him admiration within the club, but Maresca believes that a more relaxed approach may help the young forward rediscover his best form. He urged Palmer to enjoy his football and remain focused on consistent performances rather than solely on scoring goals.
“Sometimes the goals will come, sometimes they won’t. What matters is that Cole continues working the way he is. The goals will come again,” Maresca added.
Palmer’s situation is a reminder of the pressure young players face in the spotlight, particularly at a club like Chelsea where expectations are high and patience can be limited. But with the full backing of his coach and a supportive environment, Palmer appears to have the tools and temperament to bounce back.
As Chelsea looks to finish the season strongly, fans will be hoping that Palmer can regain his scoring touch and lead the line once again. For Maresca, though, the message is clear: trust the process, believe in your abilities, and the goals will follow.
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