ENZO MARESCA BLAMES FINAL THIRD. DAVID JAMES POINTS TO COLE PALMER
After two poor Premier League results, David James analytically questions whether the return of star Cole Palmer has upset the system and rhythm Chelsea had established.
After Chelsea's recent Premier League stumbles, David James wonders if Cole Palmer's return to the lineup has slightly upset the team's chemistry.
Chelsea's strong form and a tie with Arsenal faded after a shocking 3-1 loss to Leeds United and a goalless draw with Bournemouth.
Palmer, who's been a standout player in the league, came off the bench against Leeds and played for 58 minutes against Bournemouth. James thinks his return might have disrupted a Chelsea team that had found its rhythm without him.
James mentioned on Stadium Astro that Chelsea's many bookings and red cards are hurting them. He also said that the return of Cole Palmer to the squad has slightly upset things.
Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez didn't seem too upset after the draw with Bournemouth. He stated that after the loss in the last game, they wanted to redeem themselves, played well, kept a clean sheet, and didn’t lose the game. He said they take the point and go into the next game needing three points.
He added that Bournemouth is a great team with a lot of intensity, which they had to deal with. They managed the game well, know their goal and quality, and need to keep going.
Chelsea manager Maresca told BBC Sport that they lacked quality in the final third with the last pass and the last shot. He noted the importance of not losing when you can't win, so they'll take the point.
According to Maresca, his team controlled the game but missed the final shot, pass, and cross, which can happen. He pointed out another clean sheet and not losing as positives, and reiterated the importance of not losing when you don't win.
About Palmer's performance, Maresca said he was good and needs to build his fitness after a long time out.
Chelsea, now fourth in the Premier League, will play Atalanta in the Champions League on Tuesday before facing Everton next weekend.
LIAM ROSENIOR’S "DETAILED TALKS" WITH CHELSEA LEADERSHIP REVEAL AGGRESSIVE SUMMER TRANSFER STRATEGY
Liam Rosenior confirms no Chelsea players want to leave, including Enzo Fernandez and Cole Palmer, despite UCL exit.
Liam Rosenior is currently engaged in thorough discussions with Chelsea’s leadership about their plans for the summer transfer window. Interestingly, none of the players has approached him expressing a desire to leave.
After Chelsea’s exit from the Champions League last-16 against Paris Saint-Germain, speculation swirled around Enzo Fernandez’s future, while names like Cole Palmer and Moises Caicedo have also been linked with moves away since Rosenior took charge in January. Ahead of their trip to Everton, Rosenior addressed questions about possible departures if the team misses out on Europe’s top competition again. He also spoke about the ongoing efforts to bring new players in.
“We're having very detailed talks about where we need to strengthen,” he said, referring to conversations with the sporting director team, headed by Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart. “I’ve shared my thoughts on what’s needed, and we’re mostly aligned on the approach, which is encouraging. But the priority is also handling the present properly. It’s crucial to be in a good spot now. Planning is important, but so is winning in the moment. That’s why I’m here, and I’m having positive discussions with ownership and the sporting directors about it.”
Rosenior emphasised that key players like Enzo Fernández want to remain at Chelsea. After Fernandez’s recent interview with ESPN Argentina, where he was noncommittal about his future following the heavy loss to PSG, Rosenior reached out to him personally.
“Our plans don’t hinge solely on qualifying for the Champions League; there are many variables,” Rosenior explained. “We need to make the best of the situation we’re in and stay as strong as possible. I maintain a close relationship with the players; we talk beyond football about their families and their lives. I’m particularly close with Enzo and the others. Since I arrived, no one has told me they want to leave in the summer. The focus is really on improving together as a team and figuring out what it takes to win right now.”
When asked specifically if that applies to Fernandez, Palmer, and Caicedo, Rosenior was clear: “They love it here.”
WHY ENZO FERNANDEZ REFUSES TO COMMIT TO CHELSEA’S FUTURE PROJECT
Enzo Fernandez has sparked Chelsea exit fears after refusing to commit to his future following a 2-8 defeat to PSG.
Chelsea fans barely had time to process a brutal 8-2 Champions League thrashing by PSG on Tuesday when vice-captain Enzo Fernandez stirred things up even more. ESPN Argentina asked him about his future, and instead of assurance, Fernandez left everyone guessing about whether he’d still be at Stamford Bridge next season.
His answer? “I don’t know. There are eight games left, and the FA Cup. There’s the World Cup, and then we’ll see.” Not exactly what supporters needed to hear after a rough night. Honestly, Enzo, now’s probably not the best time for uncertainty.
People have been gossiping about Fernandez’s next move for a while now. Real Madrid and PSG keep cropping up as possible destinations, despite Chelsea sources insisting they won’t sell him. He’s locked into a contract until 2032, but if he pushes for an exit, who knows if that changes.
Fernandez holds a hefty price tag of £107 million; when he arrived in January 2023, it was a British record at the time. He’s backed it up this season, stacking up 12 goals, 6 assists, and playing more minutes than anyone else on the squad.
Still, Chelsea has been searching for someone who can play that No. 10 role where Fernandez has spent most of the season. Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers is on their wishlist, though nothing’s happened yet. Rogers, 23 and once a Manchester City academy kid, has been lighting it up at Villa lately. He signed a contract extension in November, but rumours about his future just won’t die.
Rogers is definitely on Chelsea’s radar. If Fernandez leaves this summer, and really, that’s still wide open; Rogers could be a target.
You can expect Chelsea to be busy in the market soon. They need a centre-back after missing out on Jeremy Jacquet in January. Douglas Luiz was briefly considered but wound up at Villa, so midfield is still in the mix. Plus, given their attacking troubles this season, they’ll be looking to upgrade up front too.
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