Maresca reveals true feelings on Cole Palmer’s reaction after being substituted in Aston Villa defeat | OneFootball

Enzo Maresca had admitted he’s not concerned about the reaction of Cole Palmer after he was taken off in the defeat to Aston Villa.

Chelsea squandered a 1-0 lead to lose 2-1 on Saturday night, and fall ten points behind Villa, and three points behind Liverpool.

The Blues took the lead through Joao Pedro, but a second half double from substitute Ollie Watkins secured an eleventh win in a row in all competitions for Unai Emery’s men.

Enzo Maresca on Cole Palmer performance

Chelsea started the game well and dominated the first half, with Villa not registering a single shot, but only had one goal to show for the dominance.

The game seemed to change after Emery made a triple substitution, and Chelsea simply couldn’t live with the tactical changes Villa made.

Palmer was frustrated with the decision to take him off. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images)

Maresca himself made three changes, but the subs didn’t have the desired impact, with Palmer surprisingly one of the players withdrawn.

The Italian had stated before the game Palmer was ready to play 90 minutes, and the England international wasn’t happy he was taken off.

Maresca was asked about Palmer’s reaction, and insisted he wasn’t concerned by it as he praised his performance.

“No, no. He was working very good,” he told his post-match press conference.

“He was on the ball and off the ball, pressing, he was very good.

“We have another game now in 48 hours, so he was good and we are happy that he’s back.”

Bournemouth up next on Tuesday night

Chelsea won’t have long to dwell on the defeat as they host Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night in their final game of 2025.

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The Blues were held to a goalless draw by the Cherries earlier this month, and desperately need the three points to avoid falling further down the table.

Bournemouth themselves are struggling, and are winless in their last five games, something Chelsea have got to take advantage of.