Enzo Maresca sends message to Cole Palmer over Chelsea penalty decision

'I am the guy that decides who takes the penalty, not the players.'

Aug 1, 2024 - 12:00

Enzo Maresca sends message to Cole Palmer over Chelsea penalty decision

Cole Palmer of Chelsea celebrates after scoring their sides first goal from the penalty spot during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Fulham FC at Stamford Bridge — Cole Palmer will be Chelsea’s first-choice penalty taker (Getty)

Enzo Maresca has confirmed that Cole Palmer will be Chelsea’s first-choice penalty taker for the upcoming Premier League season.

Under Mauricio Pochettino last term, Chelsea’s players squabbled over penalty-taking duties on more than one occasion, with both Noni Madueke and Nicolas Jackson arguing with Palmer.

Pochettino faced criticism over his handling of the situation, although the Argentine had claimed he made it clear to the players that Palmer was always the first-choice taker.

During Chelsea’s pre-season campaign this summer, Christopher Nkunku has been on penalty duty in Palmer’s absence, although Madueke was allowed to score from the spot in the 3-0 win over Club America on Wednesday evening.

However, Maresca has revealed that he had to instruct Madueke to give the ball to Nkunku for Chelsea’s first penalty in last night’s friendly, with the winger once again showing his desire to score from the spot.

Christopher Nkunku #18 of Chelsea FC shoots and scores a penalty kick past goalkeeper Luis Angel Malagon #1 of Club America during the pre-season friendly match at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on July 31, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia — Christopher Nkunku has bene Chelsea’s penalty taker during their pre-season campaign (Getty)

Speaking after Chelsea’s win in Atlanta, Georgia, Maresca made it clear to both Nkunku and Madueke that Palmer will be the team’s first-choice taker when he returns to the side for the new campaign.

‘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.’

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