Demba Ba Criticizes Chelsea’s Handling of Cole Palmer’s Struggles

By Okiki Oluwasegun

Former Chelsea striker, Demba Ba, has expressed concern over the recent struggles of Cole Palmer, highlighting the England international’s lack of experience and the club’s failure to provide adequate support during his dip in form.

Palmer, who enjoyed a brilliant debut season at Stamford Bridge with 22 goals and 11 assists, has endured a 16-game goal drought in all competitions this season. His last goal came in a 2-2 draw against Bournemouth on January 14th. Despite this dry spell, he remains an integral part of the team’s setup.

Demba Ba defended the young midfielder, attributing his struggles not to a lack of talent but to the absence of experienced figures to guide him through tough times.

“Someone like Cole Palmer doesn’t have much experience in football, or even in life,” Ba said. “Football is life, and there will be tough days. But if you have an experienced figure to lean on, you can get through the storm.”

Ba acknowledged Palmer’s determination to keep performing despite the drought but noted that something vital is missing from his support system at Chelsea. According to him, the presence of a mentor or seasoned teammate could help Palmer regain his confidence and find the back of the net again.

The 22-year-old moved from Manchester City to Chelsea with high expectations, and while his talent is unquestionable, his recent form has raised concerns. Ba’s comments underline the importance of leadership and mentorship for young stars trying to navigate the pressures of top-level football.