Cole Palmer: John Obi Mikel Concerned about Chelsea Superstar after Flamengo Defeat

• John Obi Mikel has expressed his worry about Cole Palmer, who was largely ineffective in Chelsea's defeat to Flamengo at the Club World Cup
• The Blues were stunned by the Brazilian side at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia and need a win in their last group game
• Palmer has struggled in the last few months, and fans raised their concerns after the Flamengo upset

Former Chelsea midfielder has sharply criticised Blues star Cole Palmer following their painful defeat to Flamengo in the Club World Cup.

What happened in Chelsea vs Flamengo?

Flamengo stunned Cole Palmer's Chelsea in their second match at the FIFA Club World Cup, with the Brazilian club securing a dominant 3-1 victory over the Premier League side.

Chelsea made a positive start to the game, with Pedro Neto opening the scoring in the 13th minute. The Blues held on to their lead until a dramatic 10-minute spell in the second half.

It started in the 62nd minute when substitute Bruno Henrique equalised for Flamengo. The South American side took the lead three minutes later through Danilo.

Three minutes later, Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson was sent off for a dangerous challenge.

Wallace Yan sealed the win for Flamengo in the 83rd minute. Jackson issued an apology to Chelsea fans after the game.

"I want to say sorry. To the club, the staff, my teammates, and all the fans watching, I let you down," the 24-year-old wrote on Instagram. "Another red card... And honestly, I'm so angry at myself. I work hard every day to help the team not to put us in this kind of situation."

"I still don't fully understand how it happened. But one thing is clear: it wasn't intentional. Just a moment in football that went the wrong way. "No excuses. I take full responsibility."

South American sides, particularly from Brazil, have registered significant wins at the FIFA Club World Cup so far. Botafogo, Palmeiras, and Fluminense have performed exceptionally well in the USA against top European sides.

The Blues have a chance to reach the round of 16. They beat LAFC in their first game.

"I feel the whole initiative is counterproductive, especially for the players. It's tough to think of a month-long tournament after a long season where players have played more than 50 matches. The old format was the best fit. South American teams are fearless and tactically well-drilled. The gap between them and European sides is not very wide," football analyst Dan Ogega told TUKO.co.ke.

What happened to Cole Palmer against Flamengo?

Cole Palmer was largely anonymous against Flamengo, and some fans raised concerns about his performances in the last few months.

John Obi Mikel, a Premier League and Champions League winner with Chelsea, was livid with Palamer's performance.

"It is a bit worrying," Mikel told DAZN. "Cole is a fantastic player, everything goes through him but sometimes he disappears in games where you don't see him and that has happened again. But he needs to know that he is now a marked man."

"He needs to find a different way. Maybe the manager needs to help him in terms of navigating games and opponents.

He has yet to register a goal or an assist at the Club World Cup. His numbers have regressed compared to the 2023/24 campaign, where he was in flying form.

Why did Palmer switch jersey to No.10?

Earlier, TUKO.co.ke reported that Cole Palmer explained his inspiration for changing his shirt number from no.20 to no.10.

The England international said he wanted to emulate his idols Lionel Messi and Wayne Rooney.

Palmer wore no.20 in his first two seasons at Chelsea and is set to wear the no10 jersey for the 2025/26 season.

Proofreading by Asher Omondi, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.

Source: TUKO.co.ke