{
  "id": 2763423,
  "title": "EPL: Chelsea boss, Alonso predicts Cole Palmer’s season",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/23/epl-chelsea-boss-alonso-predicts-cole-palmers-season",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-23T09:55:10.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Daily Post Nigeria",
    "slug": "daily-post-nigeria",
    "url": "https://dailypost.ng/2026/08/23/epl-chelsea-boss-alonso-predicts-cole-palmers-season/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has expressed his belief in the promising season ahead for forward Cole Palmer as the team prepares for their opening Premier League match against Fulham on Monday. Palmer, 24, is emerging from a challenging 2025-26 campaign, during which he managed to score 11 goals and provide three assists in 34 matches across all competitions. His 10 goals and one assist in 26 Premier League appearances were instrumental as Chelsea finished 10th, missing out on European football this season. With Alonso taking charge at Stamford Bridge this summer, there is optimism that Palmer will recapture his previous form after a season marred by inconsistent performances and injuries. Upon arriving at the club, Alonso conveyed to the Daily Mail, \"Cole is eager to enjoy his football. He aims to be fit, to feel healthy, and to establish a strong relationship with his teammates. This is our goal.\" He further added, \"If we can connect with him and he experiences that rhythm in the game while bonding well with the players, I am confident in his ability, which is top-tier and world-class. He is set for an outstanding season.\" Alonso acknowledged that sometimes a stint of injury or similar setbacks provides valuable experience, and Palmer has been diligently working to prevent recurrence of his injuries. Since the start of the season, Palmer has been putting in considerable effort to avoid any such setbacks. The Blues have reinforced their squad during the latest transfer window, signing players including Morgan Rogers, Maxence Lacroix, Danny Welbeck, and Jordan Henderson. The team does not relish their previous Premier League encounter with Fulham, as they lost 2-1, with Marc Cucurella receiving a red card in the 22nd minute.",
  "summary": "Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has predicted a robust season for forward Cole Palmer as the team prepares for their Premier League opener against Fulham on Monday. Palmer, 24, is coming off a challenging 2025-26 season, in which he scored 11 goals and provided 3 assists in 34 matches across all competitions. This included 10 goals […] EPL: Chelsea boss, Alonso predicts Cole Palmer’s season",
  "key_points": [
    "Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso predicts Cole Palmer's stellar season.",
    "Palmer scored 10 goals and provided one assist in 26 Premier League matches last season.",
    "New manager Alonso aims for Palmer to regain top-tier form and bond with teammates."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}