Rosenior Dismisses Transfer Speculation Surrounding Cole Palmer

omidbasir- Chelsea’s head coach, Liam Rosenior, has dismissed recent speculation regarding Cole Palmer’s desire to join Manchester United, labeling the reports as “unrealistic.”

Reports have surfaced suggesting that the 23-year-old is feeling unsettled at Stamford Bridge and may be open to a transfer to the club he supported during his youth. Palmer’s performance this season has been challenging, with only four Premier League goals and visible frustration evident in his body language on the pitch. This decline stands in stark contrast to his earlier contributions, where he appeared to lead the team effectively.

Injuries have significantly impacted Palmer’s season, with Chelsea taking a cautious approach to managing the playing time of key players during their recovery periods.

“There’s no reason for assurance,” Rosenior stated. “It’s so unrealistic. This speculation has emerged from nowhere, and there is no substance to it. Therefore, there is no need for discussion on this matter. Cole is very happy here. I have had numerous conversations with him focused on improving both the team and his individual performance. He loves being at Chelsea and wants to remain here. While speculation is inevitable, some of it strays far from the truth, making further discussion unnecessary.”

Palmer has traveled with the squad to Italy ahead of their crucial Champions League match against Napoli on Wednesday, having missed the previous match against Crystal Palace.

Since taking charge, Rosenior has achieved four victories in five matches, responding effectively to critics who questioned his suitability for replacing Enzo Maresca. Despite the positive results, Rosenior has repeatedly faced inquiries about certain players, particularly Palmer, in Naples.

“I am not surprised by the timing of these questions,” Rosenior commented. “When a new manager comes in, it often leads to speculation about player unrest. However, that is not the case here. Cole is content, and I look forward to seeing him back on the pitch.”

Additionally, there are reports indicating that Raheem Sterling’s situation may soon be resolved, potentially ahead of Monday’s transfer deadline, over 18 months after his last appearance for the club. Rosenior acknowledged Sterling’s contributions, stating, “Raheem is a player I hold in high regard, both for his achievements and as a person. However, now is not the right time to discuss his situation.”

As Chelsea prepares for a crucial win that would secure their advancement to the Champions League round of 16 without the need for a playoff round, they face the challenge of overcoming their former manager, Antonio Conte.

“This is a very strong team,” Rosenior remarked. “It would be unfortunate if recent results did not reflect the quality of performances Antonio’s team has delivered. We recognize that this will be a challenging game in a unique atmosphere, but my plans remain unchanged as I have been preparing for a tough match.”