Cole Palmer gave a rare, open and honest interview following Chelsea’s 3-1 win against Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on Sunday (May 4).
Palmer, 22, finally ended his goal drought with a late penalty to bolster Chelsea’s hopes of qualifying for next season’s Champions League.
Before Sunday’s game, he had produced just two goal involvements in his previous 12 games despite starting the 2024/25 in fine form.
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And although he was awarded the Player of the Match for his efforts, it was his post-match interview that really got fans talking.
Speaking alongside teammate Moises Caicedo, Palmer discussed the criticism he has received on social media in recent weeks.
"S*** happens," Palmer told Sky Sports.
"It gives me more fight to do well not just for myself, but for my team.
"Social media nowadays is full of idiots, the trolls and whatever. I don't pay any attention to that. To score today, I'm happy, but I've got to keep improving and try to reach new levels.
"If you're getting chances and not scoring... you're letting your team down at the end of the day. I feel like I'm mentally strong anyway, so whatever people say, it doesn't bother me. I've had it all the time growing up.
"I feel pride in helping the team, and if I'm not doing that, I'm not happy. Today, I felt like myself. I felt confident, I was trying things, first time passes, playing forward, playing free, and when you have him [Moises Caicedo] next to you, it's a dream."
Fans were quick to have their say on social media.
One said: "That's the mentality you need to succeed—ignore the noise and focus on your game."
A second added: "Cole stays focused, unaffected by the noise!"
While a third explained: "Good for him, it is better that way!"
Sky Sports pundit and former Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge also gave his thoughts on Palmer's interview.
"I appreciate how much he cares," Sturridge said. "When he does interviews he's open about how he feels. You can see how much pride he takes in football. It's not about what everyone else thinks - it's about what he thinks. When you set your standards so high and you don't get there, it hurts. I've been there."
He added: "When you play at a big club there is going to be criticism but what I liked is that he doesn't care about it.
"Some things on social may slip through the cracks as people will send you a one-liner here or there but it's best to concentrate on being the best you can be."
Topics: Cole Palmer, Chelsea, Liverpool, Premier League, Football, Daniel Sturridge
Luke Davies