Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has confirmed that. Star midfielder Cole Palmer will remain the club’s number one penalty taker for the upcoming season.
Under Mauricio Pochettino last season. The England international was deployed as the number one penalty taker. After struggling to fit in with Nicolas Jackson, Raheem Sterling and Noni Madueke.UFABET
As the Blues began their pre-season preparations, Palmer was still on a break after playing in Euro 2024 with England. So Maresca put Nkunku in charge and he did an excellent job. He revealed that he had to order Madueke to pass the ball to Nkunku. And Madueke knew Palmer was the first choice.
“I made my decision and that’s why Cristo was the first to take the penalty.” Maresca said. “Noni almost took the penalty but I told Tosin to tell Noni that Cristo will take it. Noni left the ball there and Cristo took it.”
“I understand the desire to score goals, but I decide who takes the penalty, not the players. In a week I would have chosen Noni or another player. But I decide who takes the penalty.”
Asked if Paler would be the first choice when he returns, Maresca said: “Of course, when Cole comes back because last year he did it and I know Cole did it very well.”
“Of course, he was the one to do it, but Cole wasn’t here. So we decided to have someone else do it and Cristo was the one to choose.”