Enzo Maresca has revealed the reasons as to why he omitted Cole Palmer from Chelsea’s squad for the league phase of the Europa Conference League.
The Blues qualified for the next stage of the competition after beating Swiss side Servette 3-2 on aggregate despite losing the second leg.
It’s the first time Chelsea have appeared in the competition and the Blues will be expected to lift the trophy given the other teams they are up against.
Maresca explains why he left Palmer out
There were three surprise omissions from the squad with Palmer left out along with Wesley Fofana and Romeo Lavi, although three changes can be made to the squad for the knockout phase should Chelsea qualify.
In the case of Fofana and Lavia it’s perhaps more understandable given they are coming back from long term injuries and it’s important their minutes are managed.
The decision to leave Palmer out has been criticised by some but Maresca has revealed why and said he wants to take some of the pressure off him.
“For Cole, I know him quite well,” he told reporters, as cited on X.com.
“For him last year was quite intense, busy, from City to here, then scoring many goals.
“I think if we want to help Cole we don’t need to think all the pressure has to be on his shoulders.
“He has to share it with his teammates. It is the only way to try and do again what he did last year.”
Despite the attacking talent Chelsea have at their disposal which has been further boosted by the arrival of Joao Felix , Jadon Sancho and Pedro Neto it still feels like the Blues are looking to Palmer to make things happen.
Palmer’s achievements from last season are well documented and he faces a big task to replicate that form, although if his start to the season is anything to go by, four assists and a goal in the first three Premier League games you wouldn’t bet against him doing it.