UEFA Champions League
Rosenior rubbishes Palmer Chelsea exit talk
Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior insisted there was no point discussing "unrealistic" reports linking Cole Palmer to a sensational switch to Manchester United. … Show More
Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior insisted there was no point discussing "unrealistic" reports linking Cole Palmer to a sensational switch to Manchester United.
Rosenior comments came ahead of Chelsea's Champions League clash with Napoli at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, with a win guaranteeing its spot in the top eight.
However, the build-up to their trip to Naples has been overshadowed by the news that Palmer is unsettled at Stamford Bridge and would be keen on a move away.
A reported destination is Old Trafford, given Palmer supported the Red Devils as a child, though Rosenior was quick to play down the possibility of an imminent exit.
"There's no reason for assurance," he said. "It's so unrealistic. It's come from nowhere. There's nothing in it. There's no reason to have the conversation. That's where I'm at.
"Cole is very happy. I've had numerous conversations with him. Our thoughts are on how we can make this team better, how he can improve and how I can help him.
"He loves being here, and he wants to be a Chelsea player. You can't stop speculation, but some of it is so far from the truth. There's no point in having a discussion about it."
Despite a sensational 2024-2025 season, where Palmer recorded 26 goal contributions in 46 games for Chelsea in all competitions, the 23 year-old has struggled this season.
The England international has made just 19 appearances for the Blues this season after being knocked back by niggling injuries, netting eight times in all competitions while also providing two assists for his team-mates.
Palmer has travelled with the team to Italy having not been in the squad for their 3-1 victory at Crystal Palace, with Rosenior out to continue his fine start to life with the Blues.
In what was Rosenior's first European game in charge last time out, Chelsea completed 94.5 percent of its passes against Pafos, the highest completion rate by a team in the Champions League this season.
Rosenior has won four of his five matches since taking over from Enzo Maresca, but questions have still been asked about the future of certain players since he took over.
"I'm not surprised at the timing," Rosenior said. "A new manager comes in and all of a sudden there's people unsettled. It's not true.
"Cole's here, he's very happy, and I can't wait to see him back on the pitch."
Chelsea faces a Napoli side who are 25th in the 36-team standings and know a win is a must if they are to qualify for the play-off round.
Antonio Conte's side come into the game after a humbling 3-0 defeat to Juventus in Serie A, but Napoli has been in imperious form at home in the Champions League.
Napoli has lost just one of its last 20 home Champions League matches, a 3-2 defeat to Real Madrid in October 2023.
"This is a very strong team," Rosenior said. "I think it would have been unfortunate in the recent games they played.
"The results haven't followed the performances that Antonio's team have given.
"We know it's going to be a very difficult game in a very special atmosphere. It doesn't change my plans at all because I've been planning for a very difficult game."
