Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has dismissed suggestions that Cole Palmer held talks with Manchester United. He claims the Englishman was always part of his project and that he had no discussions with any side.
Speaking to the media, Alonso said that Palmer was committed to Chelsea and was not thinking about an exit in the summer. He added that the former Manchester City star was not a topic of discussion with Manchester United, nor was he interested before penning a new deal.
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“There were no talks about that [Manchester United]. He was always part of the plans. There were zero discussions about him not being here.” (via Football London)
Palmer has not been at his best against the top sides in the Premier League, but Alonso is not putting the burden on the 24-year-old. He believes that all the players need to do better in the big games, and they cannot rely on just one.
“For sure, everyone needs to show their best level in all the games. But in the big ones, sometimes it’s harder because the opponents have good qualities, because of the quality of the game, and we need to support the attackers. So that they get the ball in the right place, so that they are involved, so they are connected to the game, and Cole, with the rest, needs to play a good game tomorrow.”
Chelsea have beaten Manchester United only twice in their last 10 meetings in all competitions at Stamford Bridge, with the Red Devils winning four times, including a 1-0 win in the Premier League last season.
Chelsea star Cole Palmer commented on Manchester United links
Cole Palmer spoke about the Manchester United rumours earlier this year, rebuffing claims that he was thinking of leaving Chelsea. The 24-year-old insisted that he was happy in London and said:
“Everyone just talks. When I see it I just laugh. Obviously Manchester is my home. All my family are there, but I don’t miss it. Maybe I’ll miss it if I don’t go for three months or something. But then when I get home I think there’s nothing there for me anyway. I’ve got no plans to move from Chelsea.”
Cole Palmer has since extended his deal at Stamford Bridge until 2034, penning an extension earlier this month. He joined the club in 2023 and has since scored 58 goals and provided 35 assists in 141 matches across all competitions.
Edited by Sripad
