Brentford FC v Chelsea FC - Premier League
Enzo Maresca has challenged Chelsea star Cole Palmer to show more initiative during games after he complained of boredom against Real Betis.
WHAT HAPPENED?
Chelsea boss Maresca says Palmer must show his initiative more often after the England international complained he was "sick of going backwards and sideways" during the Conference League final victory over Real Betis last month. The Blues were trailing the La Liga outfit before Palmer turned the game on its head with two assists as they eventually ran out 4-1 winners.
Chelsea FC v Los Angeles Football Club: Group D - FIFA Club World Cup 2025
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Palmer seemed to take his manager's notes to heart as he produced a creative display in Chelsea's 2-0 win over LAFC in the Club World Cup. He registered no goal involvements, with Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernandez instead getting on the scoresheet, but was always looking forward as he played seven passes into the final third and created a chance.
WHAT MARESCA SAID
Speaking after the victory, Maresca said: "I had a conversation with Cole and I said to him that I really like the way he was in terms of taking responsibility, taking the initiative on the ball. He was trying even on our side to receive the ball, trying to go one versus one against the player.
"This is the Cole that we expect. After the Conference League final, he said that he was quite bored receiving the ball and so he decided to do something different. The day after that interview I said to him, 'But you can do that since the first minute, why are you waiting so long? Why don't you do the same after one minute?'
"[Against LAFC], he was exactly doing what we asked him to do. We are happy when he does that because I said many times that Cole is our best player, he is a top player and hopefully he can continue to do the right things."
DID YOU KNOW?
Palmer also took six shots against Major League Soccer team LAFC, but five of them were blocked and the sixth was off target. He was replaced late on by Christopher Nkunku with the points wrapped up.
Chelsea FC v Los Angeles Football Club: Group D - FIFA Club World Cup 2025
WHAT NEXT FOR CHELSEA?
Palmer and Chelsea have another fascinating Club World Cup duel on the horizon as they look to make it six points from a possible six in Group D. They face Flamengo, who beat Esperance 2-0, on Friday.
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