Enzo Maresca has played down any worries surrounding Cole Palmer’s frustrated response after being taken off during Chelsea’s 2-1 loss to Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
Unai Emery’s men secured all three points via a brilliant brace from Ollie Watkins, who came off the bench.
Palmer’s annoyance was clear to see after he was hooked towards the end of the contest.
But Maresca was untroubled by his star midfielder’s obvious displeasure at leaving the field, insisting there was nothing to be concerned about.
“No, no. He was working very good. He was on the ball and off the ball, pressing, he was very good,” Maresca stated when questioned about Palmer’s reaction following the match.
The defeat compounds a difficult spell for Chelsea, who have managed just a single victory from their previous six Premier League fixtures.
Joao Pedro opened the scoring for the hosts in the opening period, getting the faintest of touches on a Reece James corner that curled into the box.
Enzo Maresca was forced to watch Chelsea’s defeat to Aston Villa from the bench
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Villa responded strongly after half-time, with substitute Watkins proving the difference as he netted twice to secure all three points for Emery’s visitors.
Palmer featured from the start but was withdrawn with 18 minutes of normal time remaining, making way for Estevao when the scoreline stood level at 1-1.
The England international’s departure sparked a visible reaction as he made his way off the pitch, clearly unhappy with the manager’s decision to remove him from the action.
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Palmer was seen having words with assistant manager Willy Caballero before eventually taking his seat on the bench.
Despite the midfielder’s evident frustration, Maresca offered a straightforward explanation for the substitution, dismissing any suggestion it was related to fitness concerns.
“No, I think he was working very hard but he was a bit tired. Overall, he had a good game,” the Chelsea boss explained.
Maresca also pointed to the quick turnaround in fixtures as a factor in his decision-making.
“We have another game now in 48 hours, so he was good and we are happy that he’s back,” he added, expressing satisfaction at having Palmer available once more.
Chelsea’s struggles continue as they remain in fifth position in the Premier League table following this latest setback.
Ollie Watkins came off the bench to fire Aston Villa to victory over Chelsea on Saturday night
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Maresca was unable to direct proceedings from the touchline due to a suspension, instead watching the defeat unfold from the stands.
The Italian reflected on where the match slipped away from his side, stating: “I think the goal we conceded for sure changed the dynamic of the game.”
He acknowledged his team’s wastefulness in front of goal, adding: “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.”
Chelsea are next in action against Bournemouth on Tuesday night (7.30pm).
