Mauricio Pochettino was asked about his new signing Cole Palmer today, with the Chelsea boss asked about why he had been keen on the Manchester City talent.
He was very diplomatic about it, but as always he’s basically admitting that he has only a limited role in these things, he just approves the players presented to him by the co-sporting directors.
He was positive about Palmer’s attributes however, and is clearly keen to use him:
“I think it was one the sporting directors and owners had the ideas to bring him to the squad, he fits the project but he is a good player. He comes because he expects to play more and be important here but he has seen Chelsea as a project and he can improve,” Pochettino explained.
“The quality is there and the potential and he needs to prove and show he is better than his teammates.”
For those getting excited about seeing their shiny new signing in action right away, they should be warned that Pochettino talked up the period of adaptation necessary for all players. Given there are other options available for the coach, including Noni Madueke after an impressive midweek showing, it seems unlikely he will feel any pressure to put Palmer in just yet.
“We have to be careful with young players he will move from Manchester to London and he must settle. He must find his space in the team.”
The upcoming international break gives a great chance for all of that, and so we expect a cameo off the bench tomorrow at the very most.
