Mauricio Pochettino admits giving Cole Palmer ’tough’ love at Chelsea in order to push former Man City youngster

The 21-year-old moved to Chelsea from Manchester City in the summer for £42.5 million. In the Premier League, he appeared in 10 matches thus far where he scored four goals including the crucial equaliser against his former club earlier this month which helped the Blues hold the reigning champions to a 4-4 draw. Incidentally, all of those four goals have been from penalties.

While Chelsea boss Pochettino lauded the player's improvement on the pitch, he admitted to giving tough love to him at times which, according to the manager, is for the player's own good.

Speaking to reporters, the Argentine manager said, "It’s our responsibility to push him every day outside his comfort zone so he can keep improving, keep improving, keep improving, with the decisions, and to be tough with him."

Ahead of moving to Stamford Bridge, Palmer clocked just 358 minutes in the Premier League last season where he provided one assist and featured in the Cityzens' starting lineup just twice.

The English international has indeed improved in the ongoing season having 10 goal contributions already in 14 matches. His impressive show for Pochettino's side also earned him a maiden call-up to the England national team in the recently concluded international break.

The midfielder will hope to start once again on Saturday as Chelsea take on Newcastle United in a crucial Premier League encounter.