Cole Palmer's dry spell sparks Chelsea crisis

Manager Enzo Maresca has pinned the 22-year-old's struggles on a "mental" issue, dismissing claims that their tactical approach are to blame.

Palmer, who joined Chelsea from Manchester City for 42 million pounds in 2023, has notched 39 goals in 84 appearances, including 14 under Maresca this season.

However, their recent barren run have raised questions among fans, with some pointing fingers at Maresca's cautious style.

Speaking ahead of Chelsea's clash with Everton, Maresca firmly rejected tactical criticism. "It's mental, for sure," he said. "It's not tactical or technical. Cole is the same player who scored earlier this season. The style, the manager, the club, nothing has changed. He's just mentally struggling right now, and you can see he's worried because he wants to help the team."

Chelsea, who have hovered in the Premier League's top four for much of the season, could reclaim a Champions League spot with a win against Everton at Stamford Bridge.

Yet, their recent dip in form have fueled doubts about securing a top-four finish.

Maresca, however, remain optimistic about the club's progress. "The improvement is clear compared to the last two years," he said. "How often were Chelsea in the Champions League places then? This season, we've been there almost the entire time. If you want to see progress, it's there."

Despite the team's strides, Chelsea's fans have grown restless, with boos echoing at recent matches. Maresca acknowledged their frustration but urged patience. "I understand why they're not happy," he said.

"We're trying to keep them satisfied. When they were singing ‘Chelsea is back' in December, we accepted it. Now, we must accept their disappointment."

Recent posts on X from Chelsea's official account highlight Palmer's training intensity, with one update noting, "Cole Palmer putting in the work ahead of Everton."

Maresca also used X to rally support, posting, "We're fighting for our fans and our place in the table. Together, we'll get there."

Chelsea's immediate challenge are clear: reignite Palmer's spark and silence the doubters. A victory against Everton could be the turning point, but the pressure are mounting at Stamford Bridge.