“It’s important” – Enzo Maresca outlines what Cole Palmer needs to do after Bournemouth draw | OneFootball

Enzo Maresca was happy with the performance of Cole Palmer against Bournemouth despite Chelsea dropping more points.

Palmer started his first game since 20th September as the Blues were held to a disappointing goalless draw on the south coast.

Chelsea remain fourth, but have dropped five points behind Aston Villa in third, and six behind Manchester City in second.

Enzo Maresca on Cole Palmer performance

Palmer played half an hour in the defeat to Leeds on Wednesday night, and managed an hour against the Cherries.

Understandably he looked a bit rusty and off the pace, as he continues to build his match fitness back up after an extended spell on the sidelines.

Palmer had a couple of moments here and there, but was unable to have an impact on the game as Chelsea struggled to create chances.

Palmer struggled to make an impact against Bournemouth. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

The Blues failed to score in a game for the first time since August, and Maresca believes that was down to a lack of quality in the final third. 

However, despite saying that Maresca felt Palmer played well, and doesn’t believe his front line lacked confidence.

“No, no, no, no, no, no, not for this,” he told his post-match press conference.

“I think it’s a normal mistake that can happen, you know, like a last pass in the last third.

It’s just for that, I think Cole [Palmer] was quite good on that, you know, played half an hour the other day, played one hour today.

“So now it’s important that he can build the physical condition.”

Chelsea lose Liam Delap to injury again

Whilst Palmer has returned, Chelsea have once again lost Liam Delap to injury, and he looks set for another spell on the sidelines.

More Stories / Latest News

“It’s important” – Enzo Maresca outlines what Cole Palmer needs to do after Bournemouth draw

7th Dec 2025, 12:00pm

“I’m trying to” – Robert Sanchez reveals the three factors behind his upturn in form

7th Dec 2025, 11:30am

“Doing very good” – Enzo Maresca singles out two players for praise after Bournemouth draw

7th Dec 2025, 11:00am

Delap picked up a shoulder injury, which Maresca described as “not good,” and the Blues are now short at number nine again.

The only options are Marc Guiu and Joao Pedro, who’s horribly out of form, whilst Pedro Neto could play down the middle, and it will be interesting to see what Maresca does.