Mauricio Pochettino says he wanted to rest Chelsea star Cole Palmer in 2-2 draw with Sheffield United
Mauricio Pochettino confirmed Cole Palmer has not suffered an injury, and he was subbed off as he was tired in the game. The 21-year-old has been a regular starter in Pochettino’s lineup and has produced 16 Premier League goals this season.
Palmer’s participation greatly improves the team’s quality and vibrancy during the match. He offers that aggressive desire, but the fact that the whole squad shouldn’t be dependent on him is unhealthy considering he will also need rest to remain fit.
We should have won easily, so playing against Sheffield was a better alternative to allow the striker some rest. However, we were forced to settle for a 2-2 tie, and the former Manchester City star still managed to get an assist.
Pochettino is aware of Palmer’s addition to the squad and how much he levels up Chelsea games, but he needs rest as well to remain fit for other matches, and when asked about the 21-year-old substitution, the Argentine manager said via Football. London:
“No, no, no. I think he was tired. My feeling was that he was tired. It was 2-1 for us, and Carney [Chukwuemeka] is another No. 10 who can play there and do the job. Yes, I think we are happy with him. We need to protect him.’’
Palmer has been doing admirably on the field and deserves a respite against a team we should have easily defeated, but what should we do if we cause ourselves issues in games that we should win? We cannot expect Palmer to carry the team alone; he is our most important player, and Pochettino’s comments should be taken into consideration.
We believed we might win the game when he was substituted off with a 2-1 lead, but regrettably, we drew late. Meanwhile, Pochettino needs to start playing Carney Chukwuemeka as his addition brings control to the game which we have lacked after scoring goals. He is one of the few players who can carry the ball and keep possession.
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We cannot continue to drop points when we have the chance to secure a European spot because every game will be crucial, which will decide our fate for the European tournament next season.