Inside the dressing room: Cole Palmer unveils Chelsea’s reaction
In the aftermath of Chelsea’s sensational 6-0 victory over Everton, Cole Palmer has lifted the lid on the dressing room atmosphere following the eyebrow-raising on-pitch clash during the game.
The incident, which saw teammates Noni Madueke and Nicolas Jackson vying to take a penalty instead of Palmer, left Mauricio Pochettino fuming on the sidelines.
“Other players wanted to take it, but I am the penalty taker and I wanted to take it,” he told Sky Sports.
“I think we are showing everyone is wanting to take responsibility it may be a bit over the top, but everyone wants to win – we are laughing and joking about it.”
“It is a shame, Poch said.
“I was telling the players when we arrived from the pitch. We had a meeting with all the staff also and we explained and were talking. For me it is a shame because we cannot behave in this way and I can only apologise.
“I told them that this is the last time that I accept this type of behaviour. Next time those involved in a situation like this are all out. This is not a joke.
“It’s impossible after a performance like this to have this type of behaviour that shows that we are in a process and we will learn a lot. We are a great team fighting for big things. We need to change and think more in a collective way.
“It’s so clear and I made clear to them and through you, to the fans and to everyone that Cole Palmer is the taker, and then if Palmer wants to give it to another he can. But not in this way. It is a sad situation that happened and we have all agreed it cannot happen again.”
Palmer, who notched an incredible four goals in the match, revealed a lighter perspective on the heated exchange, contrasting with Pochettino’s stern warning to his players. The young midfielder’s remarks shed light on a more relaxed vibe within the Chelsea camp despite the dramatic on-field spectacle.
Former Tottenham Hotspur star Dele Alli, on the other hand, was direct in his critique of the Chelsea players’ lack of experience in handling such situations. Alli pointed out that while it’s easy to brush it off with a comfortable 4-0 lead, the true test comes in high-pressure situations.
With the controversy, Palmer’s outstanding game capped an outstanding debut season at Stamford Bridge, with the midfielder now sharing the Premier League’s top goal scorer slot with Erling Haaland.
With Ollie Watkins after on their heels, Palmer’s revelation provides insight into the inner workings of a team on the brink of the win, although with a touch of on-field turmoil.
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