Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has addressed concerns over Cole Palmer’s recent dip in form, attributing the forward’s goal drought to mental challenges rather than tactical or technical issues.
Palmer, 22, enjoyed a stellar debut season with Chelsea, netting 27 goals and providing 15 assists in 48 matches. However, this season, he has scored only 14 goals and is currently enduring a 16-game goal drought. Maresca emphasized that Palmer remains the same player and that the club environment has remained consistent, suggesting the issue lies in Palmer’s mental state due to pressure to support the team. Despite the dry spell, Maresca is optimistic that Palmer, who continues to generate chances, will soon return to scoring.
Maresca also highlighted that Palmer’s struggles coincide with a broader dip in Chelsea’s form, noting that the team has won only six of their last 17 league matches, slipping from second to sixth in the standings.
Despite the challenges, Maresca remains confident in Palmer’s abilities and contributions to the team. He emphasized that Palmer continues to create opportunities and that his overall performance remains valuable to Chelsea’s campaign.
Chelsea currently sits sixth in the Premier League with 57 points from 33 games, two points behind fifth-placed Newcastle United, as they compete for a spot in the 2025-26 Champions League in a season where at least five Premier League teams will qualify.
As Chelsea prepares for their upcoming fixtures, including a match against Everton, Maresca will serve a touchline ban. Nevertheless, he remains focused on improving the squad’s mentality and performance as the season nears its conclusion.
In the realm of fantasy football, Palmer’s recent form has led to mixed opinions among managers. Despite his goal drought, he remains a popular transfer target ahead of Gameweek 33, largely due to Chelsea’s favorable upcoming schedule, which includes four fixtures over the next two Gameweeks.
As the season progresses, both Chelsea and Palmer will aim to overcome current challenges and finish the campaign on a high note.
