Cole Palmer has been a long way off his best form over the last 12 months, and the turn in performances can actually be traced back to as early as May 2024.
The England international is now in danger of missing out on representing his country at the upcoming World Cup, a prospect which was unthinkable a couple of years ago.
Palmer managed 22 goals and 11 assists in his first season at Stamford Bridge, where he was given a free role off the right by manager Mauricio Pochettino.
We were too harsh on Poch!
Mauricio Pochettino's and Liam Rosenior's records at Chelsea
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Chelsea’s decision to sack Mauricio Pochettino kicked off Cole Palmer’s poor form
The Argentine spent just one season in West London, however led them to a domestic cup final and a return to European football.
It was Behdad Eghbali who pushed for the former Spurs manager to depart, with Todd Boehly reportedly more keen to continue to build with him in charge.
Chelsea FC v AFC Bournemouth - Premier League
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It was seen as a surprise to many that he departed, and Nicolas Jackson notably had an issue with Pochettino not being given more time in charge.
The same can be said for Palmer. Since January 2025, he has managed just 10 Premier League goals, half of which being penalties, and endured multiple injury problems as the hectic schedule caught up with him.
In the 2025/26 campaign, Chelsea have won a staggeringly low percentage of their games where Palmer has started, and do far better when he is not in the side.
This is not a representation of the talent he has at his disposal. The club saw the best of him in his first season at the club, but seem to have made managerial changes which have not helped him reach his full potential.
Out of the managers we have been linked with, which one do you think might be able to get the very best out of Cole Palmer again?👀
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What Cole Palmer said about Mauricio Pochettino
After ending his first season as a Chelsea player a nominee for footballer of the season, Palmer was full of praise for Pochettino and how he had improved his game.
He told BBC Sport in 2024: “He’s given me the freedom to play my stuff and I like it when he frees you because I feel I can express my stuff more.
“I’m loving it. Every day he’s talking to you about different things, not just football things but life things as well. He’s good at making you feel good and trying to get the best out of you.”
Now with the United States national team, there is no chance of a reunion in West London, but Chelsea need to be picking their new manager with the form and characteristics of Palmer taken in mind.
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