Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino expressed his disappointment and frustration over a dispute that occurred during their 6-0 victory against Everton. The disagreement arose when Nicolas Jackson and Noni Madueke argued over who would take a penalty, which was eventually scored by Cole Palmer. Pochettino made it clear that he could not accept such behavior from his players and warned them against repeating it in the future.
Pochettino emphasized the importance of a collective mindset for the team to become great. He stated that it was impossible to tolerate such behavior after a performance like the one against Everton. In order for Chelsea to thrive as a unit, a change in mentality was necessary. The incident highlighted the need for players to prioritize the team’s success over individual ambitions.
The designated penalty taker for Chelsea is Palmer, who has been successful in converting nine spot-kicks this season. Despite this, Madueke initially took the ball and refused to give it to Palmer. Captain Conor Gallagher intervened and handed the ball to Palmer, but Jackson then tried to take it away from him. Palmer had to physically push Jackson aside before placing the ball on the spot.
Pochettino clarified that all the players were aware of Palmer’s role as the penalty taker. He emphasized that it was Palmer’s decision whether or not to pass the ball to a teammate. The incident revealed a lack of understanding among the players and Pochettino acknowledged that there was still much for the young team to learn. He apologized to the fans for the incident and stressed the importance of professionalism and a collective approach.
Palmer himself downplayed the incident, stating that other players wanted to take the penalty, but he asserted his role as the designated taker. He believed that the incident showcased the team’s desire to take responsibility and win. Despite the seriousness of the situation, Palmer mentioned that they were able to laugh and joke about it afterward.
Dele Alli, an Everton midfielder who was watching the game as he continued his recovery from injury, offered a different perspective. He believed that the incident reflected the immaturity of the Chelsea players. Alli pointed out that during their previous important game, the players did not fight to take a penalty in the final minute when the pressure was on. He implied that the desire to score was more evident when the team was already leading comfortably.
Overall, the incident highlighted the need for Chelsea’s young team to learn and grow. Pochettino acknowledged that it was a process, but stressed the importance of professionalism and a collective mindset. The situation served as a reminder that individual ambitions should not overshadow the team’s goals.