Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior labels Cole Palmer exit talk as unrealistic, confirming the forward is happy and ‘untouchable’ at Stamford Bridge.
CHELSEA manager Liam Rosenior has firmly dismissed speculation linking star forward Cole Palmer with a move away from the club.
Rosenior labelled the rumours, which have connected the 23-year-old with a return to Manchester, as completely “unrealistic”.
When asked if Palmer remained an “untouchable” and happy figure at Stamford Bridge, Rosenior replied, “Yes and yes. It’s simple.”
“I’m not surprised at the timing,” he added ahead of Chelsea’s Champions League clash with Napoli. “A new manager comes in and all of a sudden there’s people (looking to) unsettle. It’s not true. Cole’s here, he’s very happy and I can’t wait to see him on the pitch.”
The England international has been included in the squad travelling to Italy after recovering from a groin injury.
His season has been hampered by fitness issues, contributing five goals in 13 appearances across all competitions.
Chelsea sit eighth in the Champions League table and likely need a victory in Naples to secure direct qualification for the last 16.
They face a Napoli side managed by former Chelsea boss Antonio Conte, who is struggling with the Serie A champions winning just two of their opening seven matches.
“The results haven’t followed the performances that Antonio’s team have given,” said Rosenior, who has won four of his first five games in charge.
“We know it’s going to be a very difficult game in a very special atmosphere.”
