Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca believes Cole Palmer’s recent goal drought is a mental challenge rather than a technical issue. The 22-year-old forward, who had a blistering start to the season with 14 goals in his first 23 appearances, has failed to find the net in his last 16 games.
Palmer’s struggles have coincided with Chelsea’s dip in form, falling from second place in the Premier League to sixth, and currently sitting outside the Champions League qualification spots. Despite his goalless run, the England international has continued to be a key attacking presence, taking more shots (41) than any other Premier League player during that spell.
“For sure it’s a mental thing,” Maresca said in Friday’s press conference. “It’s not tactical or technical. Cole is still the player who scored 14 goals earlier this season. Nothing has changed around him — same club, same manager, same style.”
Maresca pointed to the pressure Palmer feels to perform, especially with Chelsea’s top-four hopes slipping away. “You can see he’s a little bit worried because he wants to help the team. He’s struggling a bit with that, but he showed great spirit after the Fulham game,” he added.
“If you go game by game, he had at least one or two chances every match. It’s not about how the team is playing.”
Palmer’s consistency in getting into goal-scoring positions suggests the goals will return, but Maresca admits the mental weight of expectation could be affecting his young star’s composure in front of goal.
The manager will not be on the touchline for Chelsea’s clash with Everton on Saturday due to a one-match ban. Former Blues goalkeeper and current assistant coach Willy Caballero will take charge from the sidelines.
“They asked me if I need someone next to me in the stands,” joked Maresca. “I don’t know if I’ll be alone or with someone, but I’ll still try to do my job as usual. It’s now up to the leadership group in the squad to take responsibility.”
Despite Chelsea’s slide in the league, Maresca insists the campaign is not a failure. The Blues remain in contention for silverware, with a UEFA Conference League semi-final ahead.
“Compared with the past two years, it is not a failure,” said the Italian. “How many times were Chelsea in the Champions League positions during those years? This season, we’ve been there for most of it. That’s already an improvement.”
With four league games left and a European trophy still up for grabs, Maresca is optimistic that both Palmer and the team can finish strong.
