Cole Palmer says he is relishing a change in approach under new Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso, crediting the Spaniard with giving him greater license to roam and express himself on the pitch. The England international has started the new Premier League campaign strongly, both scoring and providing an assist in Chelsea's 3-2 victory over Fulham on Monday night.
The 24-year-old was a breakout star during his first season at Stamford Bridge but endured a difficult second campaign marked by inconsistent form and fitness struggles, which ultimately cost him a place in England's World Cup squad. Now, under Alonso's guidance, Palmer appears to be rediscovering the confidence and creativity that made him one of the league's most exciting talents.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Palmer explained how his manager has encouraged him to take more risks positionally, something that was less common under previous management. "He [Alonso] just said I'd have more freedom to drift about the pitch," Palmer said. "Just like you saw [against Fulham] with the goal I scored."
He went on to contrast this with the more rigid setup he operated under during the previous campaign. "Last season, I wouldn't have even made that run because it's not a 'safe zone'. But he's saying move across that zone, drop into play, come get on the ball, create and just do what you do."
Chelsea endured a turbulent 2024-25 season, finishing tenth in the Premier League table in a year that saw both Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior lose their jobs at the club. The appointment of Alonso, who previously managed Bayer Leverkusen and Real Madrid, marked a fresh start for the west London side heading into the new campaign.
Alonso has been backed significantly in the transfer market this summer, with the club's recruitment drive including the £100m-plus signing of Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa, adding further depth and quality to Chelsea's attacking options. Rogers joins Joao Pedro and Palmer as part of a trio that has quickly caught the attention of supporters, who have taken to calling the group "JP Morgan" - a nod to the initials of the three attacking players.
However, Palmer was quick to dismiss the nickname with a laugh. "It's a rubbish name," he joked. "We need to come up with something better than that."
Beyond the branding, Palmer was more focused on highlighting the complementary skill sets each player brings to Chelsea's attack. "I think we've got a different mix of qualities," he said. "Joao can do a bit of everything. Morgan's more physical and I'm more technical, so I think we've got a good balance."
With Alonso's tactical philosophy seemingly unlocking a more fluid and expressive version of Palmer, Chelsea fans will hope this early-season form is a sign of things to come. The win over Fulham showcased the kind of attacking cohesion the club has been striving for, and if Palmer's comments are anything to go by, there is optimism that the new management setup could help him and his teammates reach new heights this season.
Based on reporting from Independent Football.