'Everyone loved him' - Cole Palmer expresses sadness over Mauricio Pochettino's Chelsea exit as he credits Argentine for keeping him 'relaxed' throughout superb debut season at Stamford Bridge

Despite steering Chelsea to a sixth-place finish in the Premier League, amid a spate of injuries that plagued key players such as Reece James, Christopher Nkunku, and Ben Chilwell, the Blues decided to part ways with the manager. The decision has reportedly not gone down well with the Chelsea squad as several players posted heartfelt tributes to the manager after his exit was announced.

Palmer remains indebted to Pochettino for unlocking his full potential as he went on to score 22 goals and provide 11 assists in 33 top-flight appearances for Chelsea after making the move from Manchester City last summer, which has seen him claim the Premier League's Young Player of the Season award. He remains confident that Chelsea will continue to soar in the next campaign, though, and attributed the foundations of their potential success to Pochettino’s efforts.

In an interview with The Sun, Palmer said of his relationship with Pochettino: "When he first came he installed the foundations and made sure everyone knew what was required. Then he started to teach us what he wanted to do. But first, we needed that base. As a man-manager, he would push you if you slack off. He’s been really good for me. He kept me relaxed and we had a really good relationship. He had a tough job, half the team has been injured — some very important players, too — so it’s been difficult for him. But everyone loved him. All the players did and he’s been very important for me as well.”

Chelsea have reportedly agreed a deal for Leicester City manager Enzo Maresca to succeed Pochettino at Stamford Bridge. The Blues could potentially go up against Pochettino next season as the Argentine is being linked with a sensational move to Manchester United to replace Erik ten Hag.