“He is an incredible threat I blame myself” – Pep Guardiola Acknowledges Mistake in Chelsea draw Clash
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!In a candid admission, Pep Guardiola has shouldered the blame for Cole Palmer’s departure to Chelsea last summer, citing his failure to provide adequate opportunities for the 21-year-old to showcase his prowess on the field.
A significant signing on the transfer deadline day, Palmer made a high-profile move to Stamford Bridge for a hefty £45 million in September. Since then, the dynamic attacker has seamlessly integrated into Mauricio Pochettino’s squad, tallying an impressive 12 goals across various competitions.
Palmer’s impact extends beyond scoring, as he has notched up nine assists for Chelsea, outperforming every other player at Stamford Bridge. Guardiola, addressing the media before his team’s 1-1 draw with the Blues, openly acknowledged the error of letting the talented Englishman go, expressing well wishes for his future endeavors.
The City manager reflected, saying, “For young players, the desire for more playing time is natural. In hindsight, had Palmer received the same minutes as Phil (Foden) from the outset, he would still be with us. Unfortunately, I failed in that aspect; it’s my responsibility.”
He elaborated on the decision-making process, stating, “The competition for playing time with players like Bernardo (Silva), Riyad (Mahrez), and Phil influenced my choices at that time. It’s a normal part of player development – after a couple of seasons, the hunger for consistent playing time grows, and I respect that.”
Guardiola highlighted the club’s perspective on Palmer’s departure, saying, “Receiving an offer from a prestigious club like Chelsea is a testament to his quality. We are genuinely happy for him, understanding that such situations occur in every club.”
Speaking on Palmer’s impact at Chelsea, Guardiola commended, “His contributions go beyond statistics; it’s about the overall quality he brings. Palmer poses a substantial threat to Chelsea’s opponents.”
In a recent match against City, Guardiola observed Palmer’s relentless performance, where he played a pivotal role in Raheem Sterling’s first-half goal. The attacker further showcased his prowess by converting a late penalty, securing a draw – a déjà vu moment from the previous encounter between the two sides last year.
