Chelsea's Argentinian head coach Mauricio Pochettino reacts during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Stamford Bridge in London Cole Palmer eventually took responsibility to score his fourth goal in a 6-0 rout of Everton on to move the Blues to within three points of the Premier League's top six. Picture: Ben Stansall/AFP
Mauricio Pochettino said on Monday he will not accept seeing his players squabble over penalty duties after his biggest win as Chelsea boss was marred by teammates fighting to take a spot-kick.
Cole Palmer eventually took responsibility to score his fourth goal in a 6-0 rout of Everton on to move the Blues to within three points of the Premier League's top six.
However, a night to savour for Pochettino was soured by Noni Madueke and Nicolas Jackson having to be forcibly removed by captain Conor Gallagher to allow Palmer to continue his perfect record from the spot this season with the score at 4-0.
"It's a shame," said Pochettino. "I was telling the players. We had a meeting with all the staff, I think we cannot behave in this way.
Why were Noni Madueke and Nicholas Jackson fighting for a penalty like kids yet Cole Palmer is the main penalty taker? Embarrassing.
— 99 attempts (@Itismourinho) April 16, 2024
Should we blame Pochettino or the Chelsea dressing room is divided?pic.twitter.com/8QuU6jeBon
"I told them this is the last time I accept this type of behaviour. It's impossible after a performance like this to show this kind of behaviour.
"If we want to be a big team fighting for big things we have to think more of the collective... I won't accept that this happens again.”
Palmer's ninth successful penalty of the campaign took him level with Manchester City striker Erling Haaland on 20 Premier League goals in the battle to win the Golden Boot.
Raheem Sterling pulled rank on his former City teammate when he missed a penalty in Chelsea's FA Cup quarter-final win over Leicester last month.
Palmer was adamant he will remain on spot-kicks but tried to play down the significance of the incident.
"Other players wanted to take it, but I am the penalty taker and I wanted to take it," said Palmer.
"I think we are showing everyone is wanting to take responsibility. It may be a bit over the top, but everyone wants to win – we are laughing and joking about it."
AFP