Chelsea coach Willy Caballero defends Enzo Maresca’s decision to substitute Cole Palmer, citing injury management after fan backlash during 2-2 draw.
LONDON: Chelsea assistant coach Willy Caballero defended Enzo Maresca’s decision to substitute Cole Palmer after the controversial change sparked jeers from angry fans.
The Blues were held to a 2-2 draw by Bournemouth, with Palmer brought off in the 63rd minute as Chelsea chased a winning goal.
Maresca was barraged with chants of “you don’t know what you’re doing” from the Stamford Bridge crowd.
“Any supporter wants to have the best players on the pitch,” Caballero said. “We want to have that as well. But Cole is coming from a long injury.”
The assistant coach explained the need to balance chasing the game with managing player welfare.
“We need to find a way to find the right substitutions to go for the game and also to look after the health of our players,” he said.
Caballero revealed Maresca was absent from post-match media duties due to illness.
“He didn’t feel well the last two days. He was with a bit of a temperature two days ago,” Caballero stated.
The Italian manager had prepared the team despite feeling unwell and asked his assistant to replace him after the match.
“He’s dealing well, he’s very professional,” Caballero added. “He’s an example for me and all of the staff.”
The result leaves Chelsea with just one win from their last seven Premier League games.
Bournemouth took an early lead through David Brooks before Palmer equalised from the penalty spot.
Enzo Fernandez fired Chelsea ahead, but Justin Kluivert equalised before half-time after a long throw-in.
Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo, reportedly set for Manchester City, appeared to say goodbye to fans.
Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola is confident Semenyo will play against Arsenal on Saturday.
“It’s not his last game here with us,” Iraola said. “I cannot say a hundred per cent but I think he will play.”
