Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has explained his decision not to play Cole Palmer during their 2-0 Carabao Cup defeat to Newcastle United on Wednesday.
Palmer remained an unused substitute as Newcastle knocked Chelsea out of the Carabao Cup last-16 at St James’ Park with goals from Alexander Isak and an Axel Disasi own goal.
Maresca made only one substitution, bringing on Noni Madueke in the second half while leaving Palmer on the bench.
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When asked about his decision, Maresca explained that Joao Felix and Christopher Nkunku were performing well, so he didn’t feel the need to introduce Palmer.
“No, no, no,” Maresca responded in his post-match interview. “Simply because I think Joao and Christo were doing very well. We had Cole as an option if needed, but with Joao and Christo playing well, there was no reason to make a change.”