14 November 2023 , 16:56
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Cole Palmer's dad told his son that he needn't worry about getting stronger and faster when he was in the Manchester City academy and Pep Guardiola was clearly in agreement.
The youngster was coming through the ranks at the Etihad but had concerns over his physical qualities having been the smallest player throughout his time from the under 8s up until the first team. His father though told him not to worry as it was his technical ability that would he would ultimately be judged upon.
Palmer's father said that Guardiola, who was then in charge of Bayern Munich, but had been heavily linked with the City job, would not be overly concerned by his physical qualities. Two years later and the Catalan would become the manager in Manchester and immediately identified Palmer as a standout, reports the Evening Standard.
The 21-year-old had been a fringe player at the Etihad for several seasons, but showed he had the appetite for the big occasion in the Community Shield and the UEFA Super Cup earlier this season. Concerned about his minutes, he chose to leave for a move to Chelsea.
Guardiola had told Palmer that Riyad Mahrez's exit to Saudi Arabia would open up more opportunities, but the youngster wasn't convinced with Jack Grealish, Phil Foden and Jeremy Doku all ahead of him in the pecking order.
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The City boss tried to talk him round, but Palmer wasn't having it as the Catalan explained: "He got what he wanted. It is good for him. He is a young player, a huge talent otherwise he would not have been here. He is a nice lad and is doing really good."
Cole Palmer was highly-rated by Pep Guardiola before he left Man CityJason Wilcox was the club's academy director until January and previously convinced City not to release Palmer five years ago. He has said: "I'm not surprised he's done well quickly at Chelsea. He's a quiet, languid guy, and people can misinterpret that. You could always see elite vision, technical ability and winning mentality."
Palmer has thrived since swapping shades of blue, becoming Chelsea's go to man in the final third. He underlined his mentality and quality on Sunday as his new side held his old one to a draw with Palmer converting a stoppage time penalty to ensure the points were shared.
Chelsea's £42.5m signing has since been rewarded with a call-up to the England squad and has aspirations of making Gareth Southgate's Euros squad now that he's getting regular minutes in west London.