Enzo Maresca clarifies who took Chelsea's penalties after Christopher Nkunku told him to take the ball away from Noni Madueke

Enzo Maresca has confirmed that Cole Palmer will be Chelsea's first-choice penalty taker next season.

Tensions arose on the pitch several times last season when Noni Madueke and Nicolas Jackson clashed with Palmer on who would take the penalty kicks.

Ex-Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino maintained its position that the England The winger was always his first choice.

But he faced criticism for the poor image that the on-field conflict gave to the team.

With Palmer absent from Chelsea's pre-season tour of the United States, the French striker Christopher Nkunku Instead, he has taken on the role of penalty taker over the summer.

But Madueke had his moment to shine and converted a penalty to score the final goal in Chelsea's 3-0 victory over Club América.

However, coach Maresca, who took charge at Chelsea In July 2024 – it was revealed that Madueke had also attempted to take the game's first penalty.

The Chelsea manager explained that he had intervened to ensure that the chosen penalty taker was held accountable.

“I decide who takes the penalty,” he said. “That's why Christopher took the penalty first. Because Noni was close to taking the penalty, but I told Tosin (Adarabioyo) to tell Noni that Christopher had to take the penalty.”

“Then Noni left the ball there and Christopher shot. I can understand the desire to score, but it is I who decides who takes the penalty.

“And Noni knows the players. In this case, I have decided that Cristo will take the penalty now.”

“But I decide who takes the penalty.”

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I'm sure when Cole comes back, because of last year and because I know Cole in terms of penalties, he'll be very good.

“So I'm sure he's the one who wants it, but Cole isn't here right now.

“So we have to decide on another one and Christopher is the one.”

Chelsea have two more games left to play on their tour of the United States as they prepare to face Manchester City in Ohio on Saturday, August 3.

They will end with a match against real Madrid in North Carolina on Tuesday 6 August before returning to Stamford Bridge, where they will host Inter de Milan Sunday, August 11th.

They open their 2024/25 season Premier league campaign with a highly anticipated clash on Sunday 18 August, when they will host the current champions, Manchester City.