Maresca to Palmer and Jackson: "You need to score for UCL"
Reading Time: 2min | Sun. 20.04.25. | 09:32
Indirect message from Chelsea coach to Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca told Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson that they must start scoring goals again, otherwise the Blues will have no chance of qualifying for the Champions League. Both players were in the starting eleven on Thursday against Legia in the Conference League quarterfinals, but extended their individual goal droughts to 15 and 12 games respectively, as they once again failed to find the net against the Polish side.
Despite the 2-1 defeat and the discontent of their fans afterward, the London team managed to reach the Conference League semifinals, mainly thanks to their performance in the first leg. Their next stop is a Premier League clash with Fulham, which Maresca described as a final.
Speaking ahead of the trip, the Blues' coach insisted he had no regrets about starting the duo in such an important match, as he wanted to boost their confidence — but the opposite happened.
Palmer: no goals in 15 games
— Dean (@DeanCFC_) April 18, 2025
Jackson: no goals in 13 games
From one of the most dangerous partnerships in the Premier League to Championship level players.
Thank you Enzo Maresca. pic.twitter.com/gr0YgYozLO
"Using them is to build a little the physical condition, but also to build mentally a little, because they struggle to score in this moment. To give them 45 minutes, one hour, it's a chance to see if they can score and they can go again. When they don't score, for sure I'm worried."
Enzo Maresca admits he is very concerned with the form of Nicolas Jackson and Cole Palmer:
— Hayters TV (@HaytersTV) April 17, 2025
"We're missing very easy goals. Cucu is the one scoring and that's not a good thing." 😳 pic.twitter.com/n9x3AJvPiR
When asked whether he believes both players will return to form, Maresca added:
"I'm confident because they scored goals. Cole scored 14 goals in 20 Premier League games. He scored goals. Nico was the same before the injury. Now, unfortunately, Nico was out for two months, so probably physicality needs a little more. And this is the same for Cole."
PREMIER LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 33
Saturday
Brentford - Brighton 4-2 (1-1)
/Mbuemo 9, 48, Wissa 58, Norgaard 90+5 - Welbeck 45+3, Mitoma 81/
Crystal Palace - Bournemouth 0-0
Everton - Man.City 0-2 (0-0)
/O'Riley 85, Kovacic 90+3/
West Ham - Southampton 1-1 (1-0)
/Bowen 47 - Ugochukwu 90'+3/
Aston Villa - Newcastle 4-1 (1-1)
/Watkins 1, Maatsen 64, Burn (og) 73, Onana 75 - Schar 18/
Sunday
16:00: (2.95) Fulham (3.50) Chelsea (2.50)
16:00: (7.25) Ipswich (4.40) Arsenal (1.45)
16:00: (2.30) Man.Utd. (3.40) Wolverhampton (3.10)
18:30: (12.0) Leicester (6.50) Liverpool (1.22)
Monday
22:00: (2.55) Tottenham (3.50) Nott.Forest (2.85)
***odds are subject to change***
