Cole Palmer has made a significant impact this season with 20 appearances and 15 goal involvements.
The manager expresses high satisfaction with his adjustment after joining on the final day of the transfer window. Despite missing an opportunity in a recent game, the young player’s progress is praised, with acknowledgment of room for improvement both on and off the pitch.
The absence of Nicolas Jackson makes Armando Broja’s goal particularly important.
The manager emphasizes the need for Broja to embrace positivity, improve his work ethic, and recognize his incredible potential. Despite a serious injury almost a year ago affecting his performance, the club has high expectations and aims to support his development.
Regarding players returning from injury, such as Broja, Nkunku, and Lavia, the manager acknowledges the difficulty in bringing them back to peak condition. The challenging conditions from the start of the season and the pressure to perform after a prolonged absence make it a complex process. The manager emphasizes the importance of time and playing time for these players to regain their best form.
Raheem Sterling’s exceptional free-kick abilities are acknowledged, with a playful comment about him surpassing David Beckham’s record. While practice is involved, Sterling’s quality in free-kicks is considered a characteristic rather than something extensively practiced.
On the potential return of Jordan Henderson to the Premier League, the manager clarifies that names and positions haven’t been discussed. The focus is on assessing the current squad’s situation, with attention given to players like Andrey Santos to determine the course of action.
Regarding injuries en route to Middlesbrough, players like Chukwuemeka, Badiashile, and Chilwell are close, but their progress is monitored daily. The manager emphasizes the need to evaluate their readiness and performance in training sessions before making decisions about their availability.
