Chelsea Coach Lifts Lid on How Cole Palmer Reacted Inside Dressing Room After Napoli Win Amid Exit Rumors

Chelsea booked an automatic spot for the UEFA Champions League last-16 stage after their recent 3-2 away win at Napoli. And, Blues head coach Liam Rosenior has opened up on how Cole Palmer reacted to the victory in the locker room amid exit speculations.

Cole Palmer Elated After Napoli Win, Says Chelsea Boss

Earlier this Wednesday, Jan. 28, Rosenior’s team came back from 2-1 behind to beat Napoli 3-2 at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. Enzo Fernandez scored the opener, and Joao Pedro bagged a second-half brace for the visitors during their visit to the Serie A side.

Palmer, who was not in the Blues’ squad earlier this weekend, came on in the 46th minute, replacing Pedro Neto, in the Champions League clash. He laid out two assists in the second half, helping Blues striker Pedro break the Napoli fans’ hearts in the process.

After the clash, Rosenior provided insight into Palmer’s performance and post-match demeanor, with the player reportedly in Manchester United’s sights.

“There’s no way Cole could have started and played 60 or 70 minutes. I thought later in the game, we would be stronger. Cole was magnificent tonight. We need to look after him. He’s a world-class player. There’s been a lot of talk (about his future of late), but he was a very, very happy man in the changing room,” Rosenior told reporters.

Over the past week or so, Palmer has been linked with Manchester United, as he is allegedly a Red Devils fan since childhood. However, he currently has a contract with Chelsea until 2033 and could prove a difficult target for the Old Trafford outfit.

Palmer, a left-footed technical dribbler, is next likely to be in action for Chelsea in a Premier League home match against West Ham United on Saturday, Jan. 31. However, he might not start the upcoming contest due to his comparatively low match sharpness.

READ MORE: Chelsea Announce Departure of Former Member of ‘Bomb Squad’

The 12-cap England international has struggled with a host of injuries since the start of the ongoing 2025-26 campaign. He has sustained groin, toe, and thigh injuries so far this term, forcing him to miss over 20 of his club’s games across all competitions.

Palmer, who will turn 24 this May, has contributed five goals and two assists in 14 matches in all competitions for the Stamford Bridge club this term, picking up two yellow cards.

Since arriving in a potential $58 million move from Manchester City in the summer of 2023, Palmer has made 111 appearances across competitions for the Blues. The 23-year-old has scored 48 goals and provided 31 assists for the west London club so far.