Cole Palmer, 21, joined Chelsea from City last summer for an initial fee of £40 million and has since made a remarkable impact, scoring 12 goals for the Blues.
Palmer Praises Pochettino: A Game-Changer On and Off the Pitch
During his time at Manchester City under Pep Guardiola, the 21-year-old midfielder made 41 senior appearances, notably contributing to the club’s Treble-winning squad last season. However, he acknowledges the transformative influence of Pochettino, describing him as both a top manager and a top person.
Palmer emphasizes Pochettino’s approachability and his ability to connect with players on a personal level, addressing not only on-field matters but also off-field issues. According to Palmer, Pochettino’s understanding of players’ personal lives positively influences their performance on the pitch.
Palmer’s Rise: From Benchwarmer to Chelsea’s Goal-Scoring Sensation
At City, Palmer faced limited opportunities, with only seven of his 25 appearances coming from the starting lineup. However, under Pochettino’s guidance at Chelsea, Palmer has emerged as one of the standout performers in a youthful squad undergoing significant changes.
Palmer’s impact at Chelsea is evident, leading the team’s scoring charts with 12 goals in 31 appearances this season. Despite a recent Carabao Cup final defeat to Liverpool, Palmer’s contributions have not gone unnoticed, earning him recognition as the Men’s Young Player of the Year at the 2024 London Football Awards.
Looking ahead, Palmer and Chelsea aim to bounce back as they face Brentford in the Premier League, with Palmer poised to continue his impressive form under Pochettino’s guidance.
Asked if Pochettino has made him a better player, Palmer said, “Yeah,” adding, “He’s given me the freedom to play my stuff, and I like it when he frees you because I feel I can express my stuff more.
“I’m loving it. Every day he’s talking to you about different things, not just football things but life things as well. He’s good at making you feel good and trying to get the best out of you.”
Palmer Pays Tribute to Pep
Palmer also acknowledged the coaching prowess of Pep Guardiola during his time at his former club, Manchester City. Under Guardiola’s guidance, City achieved remarkable success, securing three consecutive Premier League titles along with triumphs in last season’s Champions League and FA Cup.
“What I learnt at City, I wouldn’t be able to learn anywhere else with the manager and the players that were there, one of the best in the world,” said Palmer.
“Then I felt I was ready to play, and I thought I might as well just go for it [joining Chelsea]. I just felt like I was ready to play football week in, week out.”, as reported by BBC
