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August 1, 2024

Enzo Maresca Addresses Cole Palmer Regarding Chelsea’s Penalty Call – EPL

Credit to English Premier League Image Gallery

Enzo Maresca has confirmed that Cole Palmer will be Chelsea’s primary penalty-taker for the upcoming Premier League season. This decision underscores Maresca’s trust and confidence in Palmer’s abilities as he prepares to lead the team from the spot in crucial moments. Palmer’s selection as the first-choice penalty taker signals a strategic choice for the club, aiming to establish consistency and clarity in penalty-taking responsibilities as they approach a demanding season ahead.

Last season, under Mauricio Pochettino’s management, the team encountered several disputes regarding penalty responsibilities, which created tension among the players. Notably, Noni Madueke and Nicolas Jackson disagreed with Cole Palmer about who should be designated to take the crucial spot-kicks. These clashes highlighted a lack of clarity in the team’s approach to penalty-taking, resulting in frustration as players vied to step up and score. The situation drew attention to the need for a clear hierarchy in such decisive moments to prevent further contention in the future.

Pochettino faced considerable criticism for his handling of the penalty situation within the team, despite his insistence that he had communicated clearly to the players that Cole Palmer was the designated first-choice penalty taker. Critics argued that the lack of cohesion during penalty decisions reflected poor management and inadequate leadership, raising questions about Pochettino’s effectiveness in maintaining team unity. While he maintained that his instructions were straightforward, the ongoing disputes among players suggested that his message may have yet to be fully received or accepted. This scenario underscored the challenges of managing a squad with multiple solid personalities and highlighted the importance of clear communication in maintaining order on the pitch.

Throughout Chelsea’s pre-season this summer, Christopher Nkunku took on the role of penalty taker in Cole Palmer’s absence, demonstrating his readiness to step up in crucial situations. Nkunku’s performance was closely watched as he aimed to establish himself as a reliable option for the team. However, during Wednesday evening’s 3-0 victory over Club America, Noni Madueke was allowed to take a penalty kick. Showing composure and skill, Madueke successfully converted the spot-kick, adding to the team’s scoreline and highlighting his abilities in high-pressure moments. This successful conversion not only boosted Madueke’s confidence but also illustrated the competitive spirit within the squad as players vie for essential roles as the new season approaches.

However, Maresca revealed that he had to intervene during last night’s friendly match by instructing Noni Madueke to pass the ball to Christopher Nkunku for Chelsea’s first penalty. This decision came about because Madueke was eager to take the penalty, showcasing his desire to find the back of the net from the spot. Despite his enthusiasm, Maresca emphasized the importance of following the established order and ensuring that Nkunku, who had been taking on penalty duties during Palmer’s absence, was the one to step up. This moment highlighted the dynamics within the team, illustrating the balance between individual ambition and team strategy as they prepared for the upcoming season.

Credit to English Premier League Image Gallery

Following Chelsea’s victory in Atlanta, Georgia, Maresca emphasized to Nkunku and Madueke that Palmer will be the team’s primary penalty taker once he returns for the new season.

‘I have decided and this is the reason why Christo took the first penalty,’ Maresca said when asked if he had made a decision over Chelsea’s penalty taker.

‘Noni was close to taking one but I told Tosin to tell Noni that Christo is to take the penalty. Noni left the ball there and Christo took. I understand the desire to score but I am the guy that decides who takes the penalty, not the players.

‘In probably one week I am going to say Noni or I am going to say another player. But I decide who is going to take the penalty.’

Asked if Palmer is the first-choice taker when he returns, Maresca replied: ‘For sure, when Cole is back because of last year and I know Cole is very good.

‘For sure, he is the taker. But Cole is not here so we decide for another one and Christo is the one.’