’I was sick of going backwards’ – Cole Palmer after he inspires Chelsea to Conference League victory | OneFootball

Cole Palmer says his Conference League heroics were inspired by being “sick of getting the ball and going backwards”.

The Blues youngster sparked a turnaround for his side, setting up their first two goals as Chelsea came from behind to beat Real Betis 4-1 in the Conference League final in Poland.

Palmer picked out team-mate Enzo Fernandez with a pinpoint cross for his side’s first, before crossing for Nicolas Jackson to add a second shortly after.

Jadon Sancho and Moises Caicedo then added to the lead to help secure Chelsea’s first trophy since 2021.

After the game, Blues boss Enzo Maresca admitted he was left unhappy with his side’s first-half performance and Palmer agreed.

“I was just sick of getting the ball and going backwards and sideways,” the 23-year-old admitted. “I thought ‘when I next get the ball I’m going to go’ and it worked.

“There was a bit of space chopping and changing and I saw Enzo running, so I just put it over the top.”

Palmer started the season in fine form but has struggled during the second half of the campaign, scoring just one Premier League goal since January 20.

But his manager Maresca says he will be a better player for his experience this season.

“The bad moments or the bad run he had this season will make him a better player, no doubt,” Maresca said.

“We all know he’s a top player, we need to help him to be in right position in right moment and then he’s a quality player.

“In the last third he can decide games. the two assist were both very nice.”