'It's difficult' - Enzo Maresca fires Cole Palmer warning to Chelsea squad after Blues star man receives contract extension

Palmer was recently rewarded with a new two-year deal that extends his stay at Stamford Bridge until 2033. The young English attacker enjoyed a stellar campaign for the Blues in the 2023/24 season as he scored 27 goals across all competitions and provided 15 assists.

Maresca, however, remained cautious about Palmer ahead of the new season as he believes that the player will be under pressure to replicate his performance from last year. He also urged other Chelsea attackers to share the responsibility of scoring goals this time out.

Speaking to reporters about Palmer, the Blues boss said, "I don’t think it’s the contract but when you score 20 goals one season it’s always difficult to replicate, whether you are Cole Palmer or even Erling Haaland. It’s difficult and with Palmer, we have to make sure we share the responsibility for goals with other wingers and attacking midfielders.

"It is not everything on Cole’s shoulders. We play with two wingers, two attacking players and a No 9. So these five players are the ones in charge of scoring goals and assisting their team-mates. The wingers, attacking players and No 9 are in charge of scoring goals."

After a disappointing pre-season where the West London side managed to win just once, the club will kick off the new campaign on Sunday as they take on reigning champions Manchester City at Stamford Bridge.