REECE James has insisted Cole Palmer is committed to Chelsea after reports linking him with a move to Manchester United.
Palmer, 23, has struggled with injuries this season but showed his class after being sent on at half-time with two assists for Joao Pedro as Liam Rosenior’s side came from 2-1 down to beat former Blues boss Antoni Conte’s Napoli 3-2 on Wednesday night.
“Of course he’s committed to Chelsea. He’s a Chelsea player,” James said.
“Many players have speculation in transfer windows. It’s normal. He’s conducted himself really well. We’re super happy with him.
“He’s been in a difficult period and had a few setbacks. It’s been slow for him this season, but he showed what he can do in the 45 minutes he played.
“Everyone needs to stay patient with him. He’s an amazing player. He’s still super young and he’s going to improve with time.”
The win meant the Blues finished in the top eight of the Champions League group phase thereby avoiding two more games in the play-offs.
James won the competition under Thomas Tuchel in 2021.
James said: “It’s super early in the competition, but it was a special performance from a special group. The results spoke for themselves,” he continued. “We’re still getting to know him and the style of football he wants to play. But we’re improving.”
Rosenior was pleased to avoid the extra games, with Chelsea one of five English teams – along with Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City – to finish in the top eight.
“It’s massive, hat is huge for us to be able to be able to work with the players on the training round,” Rosenior said.
Rosenior has won five of his six games in charge since replacing Enzo Maresca.
“You have to enjoy this job,” Rosenior said. “We’re the luckiest people in the world to do this job. You have to enjoy these moments, but we want more.
“You’re in the Champions League, so at the end of the day you have to play against the best and beat the best.”
