Enzo Maresca insists he had no issue with Cole Palmer’s reaction to being substituted during Chelsea’s 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa on Saturday.
Chelsea took the lead in the first half through Joao Pedro, who got a slight touch on Reece James’ in-swinging corner.
However, Villa battled back after the break and two goals from substitute Ollie Watkins sealed the victory for Unai Emery’s side at Stamford Bridge.
Palmer, meanwhile, started the game but was replaced by Estevao in the 72nd minute with the score at 1-1.
The Chelsea midfielder clearly looked unhappy with the decision as he left the pitch and exchanged words with assistant manager Willy Caballero before making his way to the bench.
Asked if he is concerned by Palmer’s reaction after the game, Enzo Maresca replied: ‘No, no. He was working very good. He was on the ball and off the ball, pressing, he was very good.
‘We have another game now in 48 hours, so he was good and we are happy that he’s back.’
Asked if Palmer was substituted due to fitness concerns, Maresca said: ‘No, I think he was working very hard but he was a bit tired. Overall, he had a good game.’
The result leaves Chelsea in fifth place in the Premier League with just one win in their last six matches.
‘I think the goal we conceded for sure changed the dynamic of the game,’ said Maresca, who was forced to watch the defeat to Villa from the stands due to a touchline ban.
‘I don’t know if it’s the three changes, but for sure, until the goal we conceded, we were in control. I think by the time we conceded the first goal, we should have scored two or three goals. And then after the goal we conceded, the game completely changed.
‘For sure, we have to be clinical because, again, as I said, by the time they scored the goal, I think we should have scored two or three goals and the game is different.
‘But also, it’s probably how we can improve after we concede a goal to manage the game a little bit better, probably, in terms of game after game experience, these kind of things.’
Prefer us to the others? Then tell Google!
As a loyal Metro reader, we want to make sure you never miss our stories when searching for your news. Whether it is the latest politics news explained, live football coverage or a showbiz scoop.
Click here and tick Metro.co.uk to ensure you see stories from us first in Google Search.
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
