Finding the Right Career Club: The Story of Cole Palmer

A career is also a question of choice. You have to know how to find the right club, the right coach and the right place to showcase your qualities. This is perhaps even more crucial during his younger years. And the example of Cole Palmer, the young attacking midfielder who did not hesitate to turn his back on Pep Guardiola, further illustrates this at the moment in the Kingdom.

The young Englishman wanted more. And he is succeeding in his bet in a big way. However, he had the chance to play for one of the most recognized coaches in the world, Pep Guardiola. A living coaching legend. But he was not entirely satisfied. Because despite his undeniable talent, the native of Manchester, trained at City, was most often content with the end of matches. In 25 appearances last season, he was only entitled to three starts between the Premier League and the Champions League. Too little for his taste.

Xavi Simons, talent and personality: “He reminds me of Nkunku”

For City, seeing him leave is devastating

At 21, it was time to take a step forward. After showing off in August by scoring in the Community Shield against Arsenal then in the European Super Cup against Sevilla FC, Cole Palmer seemed to have a chance to play at City following the departure of Riyad Mahrez. Pep Guardiola even tried to convince him to stay as explained by the Mirror recently. But with Jack Grealish, Phil Foden and the signing of Jeremy Doku in this sector of play, the English international hopefuls were not seduced by the Catalan’s speech. And finally chose to go to Chelsea for a check for 47 million plus some bonuses. “For City to see him leave is devastating,” admitted Micah Richards, the former Citizens house, on Sky Sports.

This observation has become even more true in recent weeks. Very quickly entered into the little papers of Mauricio Pochettino who compares him to Angel Di Maria, the Englishman, who most often plays on the right on the front of the attack, continues to gain strength in the Chelsea squad. An indisputable starter for six matches, he impresses with his technical quality, his ability to keep the ball, his desire to play quickly and always try to produce forward play. But it is inevitably its effectiveness which takes it to another dimension.

Cole Palmer of Chelsea celebrates after scoring the team’s first goal during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Arsenal FC at Stamford Bridge on October 21, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)

Credit: Getty Images

Sturridge: ‘Pep Guardiola has so many options…’

In his last five outings with the Blues, Palmer has four goals and two assists, while he is one of those who create the most clear chances in the Premier League. “He’s a fantastic young player,” praised Daniel Sturridge to Sky Sports. “At Manchester City he thought he was good enough to be there and play, but Pep Guardiola has so many options at the club that he let him go to get a chance elsewhere. (…). Sometimes “It’s not about proving others wrong, it’s about proving yourself right. That’s what he’s trying to do now.”

He does it brilliantly. And if his footballing qualities have long been known in the Kingdom, Cole Palmer has impressed in recent weeks with his strength of character and his self-confidence. His penalty in added time on Sunday (90th + 5) to equalize in this crazy match against his former club, Manchester City, further illustrated this (4-4). “His confidence is enormous and it seems he has a bit of arrogance too,” praised Siobhan Chamberlain, the former Chelsea goalkeeper, on BBC Radio 5 Live’s Football Daily podcast. “To succeed at the highest level, you have to have that little touch of arrogance.” As if to repel Pep Guardiola.

I just wanted to play more matches…

His decision to leave his training club today looks like the best possible choice. Because at 21, he gave his career a boost. To the point that Gareth Southgate called him up for the last two Euro 2024 qualifying matches with England. But don’t think that Palmer sees this as revenge against Guardiola. If he does not hide his pleasure of evolving under Pochettino (“Many people told me how he treated young players. (…) He gave me the confidence and the authorization to go wherever I want on the field, where I feel that I can use my strengths, I am grateful to him”), he just savors the moment and his choice to change scenery. No hard feelings towards his former coach at City.

“He (Guardiola) gave me the opportunity to launch my career. I will always be grateful to him. Maybe I would have played more, maybe not. But I think the decision I made “The decision to go to Chelsea is paying off,” he said this week. To be honest, I don’t think the desire to be called up played a big role in my decision. “I didn’t think so when I went to Chelsea. I just wanted to play more matches, have more opportunities to prove my worth. So being called up is a bonus.” A cherry on the cake that can make it change dimensions again. And confirm him in his choice.

2023-11-16 23:17:00
#England #Chelsea #Cole #Palmer #man #Guardiola