Enzo Maresca has announced that Cole Palmer will be Chelsea’s “first-choice penalty taker” for the upcoming Premier League season.
Last season, under Mauricio Pochettino, Chelsea’s players often disputed “penalty-taking duties”, with Noni Madueke and Nicolas Jackson both arguing with Palmer.
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Pochettino was criticized for his management of the situation, despite claiming he had clearly designated Palmer as the “first-choice taker”.
During Chelsea’s pre-season campaign this summer, Christopher Nkunku has taken penalties in Palmer’s absence, although Madueke was permitted to score from the spot in the 3-0 win over Club America on Wednesday evening.
However, Maresca disclosed that he had to direct Madueke to hand the ball to Nkunku for Chelsea’s “first penalty” in last night’s friendly, as the winger once again showed his eagerness to take the spot-kick.
Speaking after Chelsea’s win in Atlanta, Georgia, Maresca emphasized to both Nkunku and Madueke that Palmer will be the team’s “first-choice taker” when he returns for the new season.
‘I have decided and this is the reason why Christo took the first penalty,’ Maresca said when asked if he had made a decision regarding 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 it. I understand the desire to score but I am the one who 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.’
When asked if Palmer is the first-choice taker upon his return, 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.’
