"I am the guy that decides" - Enzo Maresca sends clear message to Chelsea players amid penalty order issues
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has explicitly confirmed that Cole Palmer will be their first-choice penalty taker for the 2024-25 Premier League season. His comments arrive after multiple stars bickered over who would take penalties last season under Mauricio Pochettino.
Cole Palmer established himself as Chelsea's primary penalty-taker last season, netting nine goals from the spot. However, it wasn't always smooth sailing as both Noni Madueke and Nicolas Jackson were seen arguing with him over who would take the penalty.
Palmer is yet to feature for the Blues in pre-season following his involvement at Euro 2024. However, signs from the past appeared when they were awarded a penalty in the third minute during their pre-season friendly against Club America last night (July 31).
Christopher Nkunku was supposed to take the penalty in Palmer's absence, however, Madueke visibly wanted to take the spot-kick himself. Maresca had to instruct the latter to give the ball to Nkunku, who made no mistake in scoring.
Following the game, Maresca explained what happened (via METRO):
"I have decided and this is the reason why Christo took the first penalty. 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."
He added:
"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."
Chelsea went on to win the game 3-0, with Marc Guiu (21') and Madueke [79' (P)] scoring one goal apiece after Nkunku's penalty.
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca provides injury update on Malo Gusto following Club America clash
Enzo Maresca has provided an injury update on Malo Gusto, Benoit Badiashile, and Christopher Nkunku, admitting they were fortunate that the trio suffered from cramps rather than a serious injury. He also revealed that Nicolas Jackson and Moises Caicedo are close to returning to full team training.
Chelsea impressed in their 3-0 win against Club America, bouncing back from their 4-1 thrashing at the hands of Celtic last week. However, many fans were concerned when Gusto limped off with a knock in the second half.
Maresca said (via The Chelsea Chronicle):
“Fortunately for Malo [Gusto], Benoit [Badiashile] and Christo [Nkunku], all of them, it was just cramp. For Nicolas and Moi, they are very close. They are still doing some work apart from the team but hopefully next week they can start to train with us.”
The Blues will next face Manchester City in a friendly on Saturday, August 3.