What incoming Chelsea coach thinks of Cole Palmer

Enzo Maresca is on the verge of becoming the next Chelsea manager, replacing Mauricio Pochettino. The Italian is currently in discussions with Chelsea, who have sought formal permission from Leicester City to speak with him.

Maresca is expected to sign a two-year contract with an option for a third year, with Leicester City set to receive approximately £10 million in compensation.

The 44- earned acclaim for leading Leicester back into the Premier League with a remarkable 97-point season in the Championship, showcasing an impressive style of play. His managerial journey includes valuable experience under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, where he managed the club’s Under-23 side to a Premier League 2 title.

During his tenure at Manchester City, Maresca worked closely with Cole Palmer, who has since become a key player for Chelsea following a sensational 25-goal season. The pair recently reunited when Leicester faced Chelsea in the FA Cup, with Maresca praising Palmer’s talents.

In a press conference, Maresca commented,

“The only difference is, unfortunately with City, he had many players like him so he struggled a little bit. At Chelsea now, he’s found more space so he’s showing himself, so Cole now is the player that everyone is watching.”

Palmer began the season strongly with goals in both the Community Shield and Super Cup, subsequently transferring to Chelsea for £40 million. His performances have positioned him as a potential selection for Gareth Southgate’s England squad for Euro 2024, vindicating his move for more first-team opportunities.

When questioned about Palmer’s decision to leave Manchester City, Maresca remarked,

“I don’t know to be honest, this is a question for Cole. But probably to decide to play every game, I said many times, we have players that unfortunately this year they didn’t play too much so they come to me or the club to ask to leave.

“At the end they work every day not to be on the bench, they work every day to play and when you don’t play, you are not happy. And with Cole, he decides to leave, with Chelsea, [so] he would play more minutes.

“With Cole, it was quite clear, if you see him every day in the training session or you see him when he plays some minutes with City. No one at City had any doubts about Cole as a player.”

If appointed, Maresca is expected to bring in former Manchester City and Chelsea goalkeeper Willy Caballero as his assistant coach, further strengthening his backroom staff.