Pochettino and Palmer in awkward on-pitch discussion as Chelsea boss reveals ‘disappointment’ with ace after Preston win

MAURICIO POCHETTINO had an awkward on-pitch discussion with Cole Palmer after Chelsea beat Preston North End.

After a frustrating first-half, the Blues swept aside the Championship outfit to book their spot in the fourth round of the FA Cup.

ReutersCole Palmer and Mauricio Pochettino appeared animated after the win over Preston North End[/caption]

GettyPalmer had set up Chelsea’s second goal in the game[/caption]

Armando Broja opened the scoring with a stunning header before Thiago Silva, Raheem Sterling and Enzo Fernandez wrapped up the scoring.

Young defender Alfie Gilchrist also put in a solid display on his first start for the club.

However, despite the 4-0 win, Pochettino, 51, was in deep discussion with Palmer at full-time.

The attacking midfielder assisted Chelsea‘s second goal of the game as Silva headed in his cross.

The manager grabbed Palmer, 21, by the arm as the pair had a discussion on the Stamford Bridge pitch, seemingly about the player’s performance.

They were pictured having words and appeared animated with each other as Pochettino tried to get a point across to the England international.

Pochettino admitted in his post-match press conference that he was “disappointed” that Palmer did not score in the match.

When asked about Palmer, he said: “Very impressed. I think he arrived the last day of the transfer window and his performance after six months, incredible.

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“Today a little bit disappointed because he didn’t score a big chance he has and he’s young and still needs to improve in different areas.

“He needs to understand many things but is improving a lot, a very good player for us and he is doing fantastic and I am so pleased.”

Former Manchester United and Tottenham ace Garth Crooks recently warned Palmer about the defensive side of the game.

Crooks insisted that Palmer would not win over his team-mates if he does not do his fair share following the 3-2 win over Luton Town.

Palmer has been one of Chelsea’s best players this season having scored eight and assisted seven in his 20 appearances in all competitions.

The attacking midfielder joined the club in the summer in a £42.5million deal from Manchester City.