Enzo Maresca revealed he hopes Cole Palmer can score the same amount of goals next season and wants the forward to just try and be himself.
Palmer had an incredible impact for the Blues following his deadline day move from Manchester City last summer and took the Premier League by storm.
In his first season of playing regular senior football he scored 22 league goals and provided 11 assists, which saw him named Premier League Young Player of the Year.
Maresca wants Palmer to be himself
Whilst his team-mates are currently in America on Chelsea’s pre-season tour Palmer is having a well earned holiday following his exploits for England at Euro 2024.
The 22-year-old took his club form onto the international stage and made an impact for the Three Lions in the knockout rounds as he scored in the penalty shootout victory against Switzerland, set up Ollie Watkins’ last minute winner in the semi final and scored the equaliser in the final.
The task for Palmer, who’s first taste of pre-season action is likely to be against Inter Milan at Stamford Bridge on August 11th is can he repeat or get close to his form from last season.
Maresca has been speaking about Palmer, and he knows the England international from their time together at the City academy.
“I’ve spoken with him many times. He is not going to play if he does not work (Maresca laughs),” he told The Athletic.
“I had Cole one year so I know him. I know he likes a little bit of freedom. But if Cole is what he is now, it’s because he learned for 10 to 15 years the way he learned at Man City.
“On and off the ball, for sure he is a fantastic player. He scored (over) 20 goals last season. Hopefully, he can score the same but it is not easy for any player to score (over) 20 one year and do the same the next. What we want from Cole is to try and be himself.”
