“I didn’t have any doubts” – Guardiola makes Cole Palmer transfer admission ahead of Manchester City return

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Published on 2024-02-16 13:33:55

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has spoken highly of Cole Palmer ahead of the Englishman’s return to the Etihad Stadium on Saturday evening.

The unbeaten City team is gearing up to face Chelsea and are looking to extend their current winning streak. Guardiola’s side have won their last 11 matches across all competitions and are aiming for a fourth successive Premier League title with upcoming matches against both Chelsea and Brentford.

Chelsea’s visit to the Etihad Stadium on Saturday provides Palmer with the opportunity to return to his boyhood club after his £42.5 million move to Stamford Bridge in September.

The 21-year-old has made more starts for Chelsea than he had during his entire career at City, and has been directly involved in 16 Premier League goals in 21 appearances this season.

Palmer had scored twice for Manchester City before leaving the club, and even netted a last-minute equalizer from the penalty spot in a 4-4 draw against Chelsea in November.

Palmer made 41 appearances over four seasons under Guardiola, and despite making just 13 starts, the Manchester City manager isn’t surprised by the form of the Chelsea forward.

Guardiola expressed his confidence in Palmer’s abilities, stating, “If he plays regularly, yes [I knew he would perform well]. Cole Palmer is an exceptional player, and of course, I wish him well at Chelsea.”

“I didn’t have any doubts about his quality. The way he’s playing is a star player. He wanted the minutes, it was a question of time to show his immense quality.”

During his time at Manchester City, Palmer won six trophies and could potentially win his first piece of silverware with Chelsea later this month, as they face Liverpool in the Carabao Cup Final next weekend.

Guardiola’s admiration for Palmer’s qualities and his success at Chelsea showcases the talent that the 21-year-old possesses and his potential for further success in his career.

Read Original article on City Xtra