Emmanuel Petit hits out at Enzo Maresca over treatment of Cole Palmer, who he warns could leave Chelsea

Cole Palmer. (Deposit Photos)

Former Chelsea star Emmanuel Petit has criticised Blues head coach Enzo Maresca, blaming him for Cole Palmer's dip in form and warning that the England international could leave the club as a result.

Palmer made a blistering start to the season, scoring 14 Premier League goals by mid-January and helping Chelsea climb as high as second in the table.

However, he has since gone 10 games without a goal across all competitions and has often appeared frustrated on the pitch, lacking the confidence that made him so dangerous earlier in the campaign.

Petit believes Maresca's decision to deploy Palmer on the right wing rather than in his preferred central role has negatively impacted his performances.

"Cole Palmer, I think he’s better when you play him as a central midfielder right behind the strikers," Petit told Poker Firma. "When you look at his record, he’s one of the best in the Premier League in terms of creating chances for his team, scoring goals, and assists."

"It’s a surprise to see him labouring," he added. "I do think that is completely down to where he’s been asked to play recently – he’s wasted on the right flank. Is Maresca responsible for that? Of course, because he’s the manager who puts the first 11 out and has decided to play him there. I think it’s a mistake."

Emmanuel Petit. (Deposit Photos)

The Frenchman, a World Cup and European Championship winner, warned that Maresca’s handling of Palmer could prove costly for Chelsea.

"I don’t think Palmer’s Chelsea future is certain at the moment," Petit explained. "Clubs should always protect their best players, and I don’t think that Maresca has done that by playing him out of position."

"He’s been Chelsea’s best player since he joined, and maybe he’s thinking to himself, 'Why am I the guy that is being moved around to accommodate players that are not as good as me or who haven’t performed as well as I have?'"

"If this continues, then perhaps he could see his future elsewhere," Petit concluded. "He’s one of the few players in the world that has the ability to basically pick his next club. Everyone would want him."

Maresca, meanwhile, appeared to defend his decision to rotate Palmer in a recent interview with Chelsea's official website, suggesting that injuries to key players – including Nicolas Jackson, Romeo Lavia, and Marc Guiu – had forced his hand.

"Personally, I am convinced we’re a better team than two months ago," he explained. "With the amount of injuries we had, my duty was to try to find solutions. We moved players, changed positions, and tried different approaches."

The Italian added: "We are there [in the top four]— and we have been there all season— so it’s our duty to try to finish there. This club belongs in the Champions League, and we have to do everything possible to bring it back there."

Maresca not to blame for Palmer's poor form

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While Emmanuel Petit is right in saying that playing Cole Palmer on the right wing is a mistake, the reality is that Maresca hasn’t done it that often.

More often than not, Palmer has still played through the middle, and his dip in form seems to stem from a variety of other factors.

First, the injury to Nicolas Jackson has robbed him of a key attacking partner. Before Jackson’s setback, the two linked up brilliantly, and without him, Palmer has understandably struggled.

Second, the pressure on Palmer to always deliver for Chelsea is immense. Since joining from Manchester City in 2023, he has consistently been the team’s talisman. In a way, he has made a rod for his own back by being so good. A dip in form is natural for any young player, but in his case, it feels more pronounced given Chelsea’s reliance on him.

Lastly, in Jackson's absence, Palmer has lacked players on his wavelength in the final third. Christopher Nkunku and Palmer often occupy the same spaces, making it difficult for them to co-exist effectively.

Palmer's been struggling recently for Chelsea. (Deposit Photos)

Meanwhile, Noni Madueke’s tendency to be overly selfish on the ball has further disrupted Chelsea’s attacking fluidity. Even when the team gets into good positions, decision-making in the final third – Palmer’s included – has often let them down.

So, in reality, Maresca isn’t truly to blame for Palmer’s struggles, despite Petit’s claims. That said, playing him out wide should absolutely be avoided.

Once Jackson returns, Chelsea strengthen in the summer, and Palmer regains his confidence, there’s no doubt he’ll be back firing on all cylinders.