The full transcript from Cole Palmer's press conference ahead of Chelsea's pre-season clash with Premier League rivals Tottenham
Cole Palmer spoke to the media in Sydney on Friday
Cole Palmer spoke to the media in Sydney on Friday
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It has been an unusual summer for Cole Palmer, with his England World Cup snub meaning he had some rare time off before returning to Chelsea for the pre-season campaign.
And having endured a stop-start season last time out, with injuries slowing down his progress, Palmer is eager to bounce back under a new manager in Xabi Alonso.
There's plenty of reasons for Palmer to be excited, with the Blues signing his close pal Morgan Rogers in a £117million deal to see the two Manchester City academy products reunited at Stamford Bridge.
Bobby Vincent has been at Sky Park - Sydney FC's training ground - today and has provided you the full transcript from the Chelsea star's press conference...
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How was your summer?
My summer was great. I had like seven weeks off, which I’ve never really had. It was good. I went on holiday with my family and that. I feel fresh.
Thoughts on Xabi Alonso?
It’s been good, him and his staff have been good, a breath of fresh air with his ideas. I'm really enjoying it.
Happy to be reunited with Morgan Rogers?
Yeah!
He's a next level signing?
Of course. Everyone knows how good he is. Obviously he’s one of my best friends so I’m very happy about it.
Is Tosin Adarabioyo jealous?
I don’t know, I've not asked him.
Did you text Morgan much before the deal was agreed?
I always speak to him but when I heard Chelsea were trying to sign him, I was texting him even more. He was probably sick of me but at least he’s here now.
What are the differences between the pair of you?
I think we’re two different players. He’s more physical than me, on and off the ball. He likes to drive with it. I like to play passes. I think we can play well together, and we played together when we were young.
You've come back fighting fit?
I’ve always been quite fit. I just mean stronger, driving with the ball, stuff like that.
How did you find having seven weeks off in the summer?
It was strange. I didn’t know where to go. I went on holiday and was thinking, “Where do I go next?” And checking when I was back in. To be fair, I got bored after like six weeks. I was sat in Marbella thinking, “I want to go back in”, and I never thought I’d think that.
How did you hear about the Rogers deal?
I was just speaking to Morgs. He told me straightaway when he was coming. It didn’t get leaked. Nobody knew. Just me and him and the higher people at the club. So it was a difficult secret to keep. But I kept it!
Did you watch the World Cup?
I watched some of it. Obviously I was away and the times were a bit mad in America. It was a bit difficult. But I did watch. I managed to stay up for England-Mexico. But then I fell asleep at half-time.
New hunger for next season?
Naturally. It’s like anything. If someone told you that you're essentially not good enough to get in the squad, then you’re going to think, like, alright, whatever then, try to go that extra harder.
How have you recovered from your injury woes?
I didn’t really know how to deal with it. The first few months, with me being injured, I just wanted to go out and play. Which I probably shouldn’t have done. Obviously I couldn’t play how I wanted to play. It was a bad season personally with injuries and stuff but I feel good now. The seven weeks obviously helped. I’m ready to go again.
Was surgery an option?
Yeah I went to Sweden or Denmark, one of those countries, to see a doctor. We did speak about it. But I didn't end up getting it.
Morgan does the same celebration as you?
This is just the media, this! We've never spoke about it! It’s one of them. He does it. I do it. I’ve trademarked it so if he tries to do anything, he’ll have the bailiffs at his door. Nah, we’ll do it together, I think.
High hopes for Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli?
He's funny. He's confident. He’s only 16. But he's got all the attributes to play at this club. Even next season he could possibly be ready. But it's on him if he wants to work hard and keep his focus but he definitely has all the talents to do what he wants.
Did you speak with Alonso during the summer?
Yeah, when I got told I wasn’t going to the World Cup, I think he knew, so he messaged me. I can't remember what he said. I think he said don't worry about it or whatever, normal stuff. It was nice.
How have the chats gone?
We spoke. He sees me in the 10, in the pockets, close to the striker. So we’ll see.
Want to get back into England fold?
I’m not really thinking about that now, to be honest. I’m just looking forward to the season with Chelsea, and to be honest, I’m not too bothered about that.
What are your feelings on the signings this summer?
When you sign good players, obviously your team is going to be better, so it should be a good season.