'He is human' - Enzo Maresca addresses Cole Palmer's slump in form after Chelsea star's goal drought continues

Cole Palmer, who started the 2024-25 campaign on a high, saw a sudden dip in form at a time when the Blues saw their ambitions for a top-four Premier League finish falter. The England star has now gone seven straight matches without a goal, which has raised a few eyebrows at Stamford Bridge.

Maresca, however, is not worried about his star player's performance as he jumped to the attacker's defence. The Italian coach also informed that Palmer is not under any pressure and believes he will regain his form soon. Before the goal drought started, the 22-year-old had recorded 14 league goals and six assists.

Speaking to BBC Sport, the Blues manager said: "We are all former players. All of us went through some bad moments. You cannot expect Palmer to be like he was last season or how he was in the first part of the season. It's normal. He is human. I was telling him it was normal. He is happy. He is OK. He has shared the changing room with some top players and he knows that every top player goes through bad moments. It's about how you react. Keep working, keep laughing, keep calm, be happy and enjoy the football. It's the only thing you have to do."

The West London side will be back in action next Thursday as they take on Copenhagen in the first leg of their Europa Conference League round of 16 fixture.