Chelsea star changed in training after Alonso’s private talks with sources ‘shocked’

Cole Palmer was unstoppable during his first two seasons at Chelsea, but the last campaign told a very different story.

The Englishman entered this season with high expectations after proving himself as one of the most prominent attacking players in the Premier League.

However, injuries repeatedly disrupted his rhythm, preventing him from finding the consistency that made him Chelsea’s main winner.

Palmer later admitted he had struggled to feel fully fit for much of the campaign, while recurring hamstring and hip problems sapped his fitness and confidence.

The Chelsea coaches also agreed that he needed to rest physically and mentally after a difficult period, and the results were important.

Palmer’s numbers dropped, his influence on games diminished and England manager Thomas Tuchel eventually left him out of the World Cup squad.

Tuchel explained that Palmer’s club form had not been up to the required level, a remarkable turnaround for a player who looked set to shine in England just a few months ago.

Apparently there were other factors behind the scenes as well.

Palmer, along with several other top Chelsea players, were reportedly unhappy under Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, and journalist Simon Phillips now explains that the former Man City player felt restricted by the tactical demands placed on him.

Phillips also says the midfielder has been dealing with homesickness at times and family issues away from football.

While those issues have never been discussed publicly by Palmer himself, they help explain why one of the league’s brightest talents has struggled to produce at his usual level in a frustrating campaign.

However, the arrival of Xabi Alonso has changed the situation at Cobham, with the Spaniard already making a strong impression on both the old and new signings.

Alonso personally helped convince Morgan Rogers to join Chelsea in a British record move of £117 million, underscoring the growing influence he has within Stamford Bridge.

If Alonso can turn on the best version of Palmer again, Chelsea’s attack quickly becomes more dangerous.

Cole Palmer as ‘new man’ in Chelsea coaching and sources ‘shocked’

According to Phillips, with his SPTC Substack, the early signs are very encouraging.

Phillips reports that the atmosphere around Chelsea’s training ground is the best since Tuchel’s time at the club, with the players embracing Alonso’s methods from the start.

The reporter says that one Cobham source described Palmer as a “new man” during the pre-season, saying that the Englishman has returned hungry, determined and determined to please his new manager.

He also claims that Alonso has held private talks with Palmer, assuring him of his importance to Chelsea’s long-term plans. Those talks seem to have had a positive impact, as Phillips says Palmer is already enjoying his football after a difficult year.

The source who said all this to Phillips was also quoted as being ‘shocked’ by the 24-year-old’s resurgence at Cobham.

Alonso has quickly established authority within the dressing room through both his playing career and coaching success, but, of course, pre-season enthusiasm only goes so far.

Palmer still needs to translate those positive signs into competitive games once the campaign begins.

However, Chelsea may once again have a player who has established himself as one of the best midfielders in Europe before too long.