"I'm Not Happy If I'm Not Helping the Team" – Cole Palmer Opens Up on Goal Struggles and His Drive to Improve at Chelsea

Cole Palmer has opened up about the emotional toll off not scoring goals for Chelsea in the past weeks, admitting it felt like he was letting the team down — despite remaining mentally strong throughout the dry spell.

The 21-year-old attacking midfielder, who joined Chelsea from Manchester City last summer, hass quickly established himself as one of the Blues’s most important players this season. But after an electric start, Palmer experienced a brief dip in form — at least by his high standards — prompting questions about whether the pressure of being Chelsea’s go-to creative spark was starting to take its toll.

Now, after finding the back of the net again the match against Liverpool, Palmer has revealed honestly how about what the barren run meant to him and how he’s determined to do more.

“Getting chances and not scoring, it feels like you’re letting your team down,” he told Sky Sports following his return to the scoresheet. “I feel like I am mentally strong anyway. I feel pride in helping the team and if I’m not doing that, I’m not happy.”

It’s a refreshingly honest admission from a player who, despite his young age, has already been burdeneds with expectations at Stamford Bridge. Palmer has frequently been the difference-maker in tight games, and his ability to deliver under pressure is a key reason why manager Enzo Maresca continues to put his faith in the England international.

Palmer’s winner in Chelsea’s latest league match against Liverpool on Sunday ended a short goal drought — and while many young players might’ve been content with a single moment of relief, Palmer made it clear that he’s not satisfied just yet.

“I’ve scored today and I’m happy,” he said. “But it’s only one, and I’ve got to keep improving and try and reach new levels.”

That mindset is exactly what Chelsea fans and coaching staff will want to hear. In a season filled with inconsistency and transition, Palmer has been a rare constant — a player whose intelligence on the ball, creativity, and calmness in the final third have often kept Chelsea in contention.

With 20+ goal contributions already this season across all competitions, Palmer’s stats speak for themselves. But as his recent words reveal, it’s his internal drive and mentality that could make him one of the Premier League’s top players in the years to come.

Enzo Maresca recently praised Palmer’s “maturity and football intelligence,” noting that his influence stretches far beyond goals and assists. His link-up play, movement off the ball, and ability to drop deep to dictate tempo have all played major roles in Chelsea’s tactical evolution this season.

As Chelsea chase a top-five finish and look to secure a return to European football, Palmer’s form will be crucial. The Blues have four league games remaining, and Palmer is expected to be at the heart of the action as they face stiff competition from the likes of Tottenham, Manchester United, and Newcastle United.

For now, though, Palmer is focused on getting better every day.

“I’m never fully happy with where I’m at,” he said. “I always want to be better — for myself and for the team. That’s how I’ve always approached the game.”