Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca had words of encouragement for Cole Palmer following the Blues’ dominant 4-0 victory over Southampton, as the 21-year-old endured another frustrating night.

Despite the emphatic scoreline, Palmer extended his goal drought to seven matches and has now gone 14 games without an assist. However, Maresca reassured the young playmaker that difficult spells are a natural part of a footballer’s journey.

“I said he has been lucky in his career,” Maresca revealed when asked about his post-match conversation with Palmer.

“He has shared changing rooms with top players and he knows they go through bad moments. Keep working, keep laughing, enjoy your football.”

Maresca emphasized that even the best players experience rough patches, but what matters is how they respond.

“It is quite easy. All of them, they went through some bad moments, it is normal,” he added.

“You cannot expect every season or game, it is normal. He is a human being. He misses goals, he misses some things, it is about how you react. I was telling him it’s OK.”

Palmer has been one of Chelsea’s standout performers this season, but his dip in form has not gone unnoticed. With Maresca’s backing, the young midfielder will be hoping to rediscover his best touch as Chelsea push forward in their campaign.