Cole Palmer has been accused of 'having a dig' at Enzo Maresca in an Instagram post as Chelsea's on-field struggles continue.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Palmer accused of firing shots at MarescaShared Instagram post of Chelsea's 6-0 win against Everton in 2024Scored four goals that game under PochettinoFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED?
The England international has rocketed to Premier League stardom since joining Chelsea from Manchester City in the summer of 2023, but he has endured a bit of a slump in recent months, last scoring in a 2-2 draw against Bournemouth on January 14. On Tuesday, Palmer shared a throwback Instagram reel on his story from last year on April 15, where he scored four goals in his team's 6-0 win over Everton in the Premier League. As the caption, he wrote "enjoyment".
AdvertisementWHAT THE FANS ARE SAYING
Since Palmer's social media post, fans have been speculating whether the Blues star took a dig at head coach Maresca and whether he preferred predecessor Mauricio Pochettino.
@DeanCFC_ wrote on X: "Cole Palmer just dropped a HUGE message with that post. He clearly thrived and loved playing under Pochettino, who brought out the best in him and helped him become one of the top players in the world. But with Maresca, that joy seems to be fading more and more each day."
@Jonallenpt posted: "Sorry but if you’re seeing Cole Palmers story as a dig at the coach rather than frustration at his first period of struggling in his career then you either have an agenda, or you’re emotionally unintelligent. Likely, it’s both."
@CFC_Ciro accused Maresca of ruining Palmer as he wrote: "Damn, Maresca really ruined him! These days, Palmer would’ve passed to his teammates instead of trying to chip the gk."
A fan with the handle @Renezz001 wrote: "I've said it before… I don't see Palmer playing better soon if maresca keep playing him in that LW position everytime and no freedom to move… Something we all saw under poch."
An X handle named @AtomicCFC urged Maresca to stop playing Palmer on the left flank as he wrote: "Maresca should stop playing Palmer on the left. Palmer should start putting away his chances. Two things can be true."
Getty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE
After emerging as Chelsea's highest scorer with 25 goals last season, Palmer has managed to find the back of the net only 14 times in the 2024-25 campaign and has provided nine assists. The 22-year-old's sudden dip in form has also affected his team's performance as they have dropped to the sixth position in the league table.
WHAT NEXT FOR CHELSEA?
The west London side will be back in action on Thursday as they take on Legia Warsaw in the second leg of their Conference League quarter-final at Stamford Bridge. They lead 3-0 on aggregate.
