Palmer appeared critical of the side's approach in their victory in the UEFA Conference League final last month, saying he got 'sick of getting the ball and going backwards and sideways'.

As reported by Absolute Chelsea after the game, Palmer said: “I was sick of getting the ball and going backwards and sideways. I remember there was a bit of space, always chopping and changing ...

After the match, Palmer said that he was “sick of getting the ball and going backwards and sideways”. The comments were interpreted by some as a thinly-veiled criticism of Maresca’s patient ...