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Mauricio Pochettino now claims he will give Chelsea signing the same treatment he gave Lionel Messi

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Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino says he gave no guarantees to Lionel Messi during his time at Paris Saint-Germain and that it will be the same for Cole Palmer.

Cole Palmer joined Chelsea from Manchester City on deadline day in a big-money deal, but Mauricio Pochettino has warned the attacking midfielder that his price tag does not mean he will start games.

The Argentine told football.london: “The player needs to come and to perform and let us manage. And then if he deserves to play he will, I am sure it was the same at City. But for us even when you pay big money for a player at Chelsea it doesn’t mean you are guaranteed to play. That is the wrong way to think.

“People need to learn about that. When we sign a player we do it for them to be part of the squad, involved in the squad, be part of the club. Be part of the dynamic. We never sign players who we promise will play. It has never happened, even when we signed Messi at Paris St-Germain.”

Chelsea FC Unveil New Signing Cole Palmer
Photo by Harriet Lander – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images

As the season goes on, Palmer may very well have to fight to get into this Chelsea team.

However, at this moment in time, it would not be a surprise to see the English youngster walk into the Blues’ starting XI.

With Christopher Nkunku and Carney Chukwuemeka currently out injured, Pochettino does not really have any options for the No.10 position right now.

Cole Palmer can win a place in Mauricio Pochettino’s team

Palmer looks like he does have the talent to be a starter for Chelsea. His excellent goal for City against Arsenal in the Community Shield was just one example of what he can do.

Manchester City v Arsenal - The FA Community Shield
Photo by Michael Regan – The FA/The FA via Getty Images

On top of being able to play as a No.10, the 21-year-old is comfortable on the right flank as well. With that in mind, you can easily imagine him starting there and Raheem Sterling moving to the other wing.

When all of Pochettino’s attackers are fit again, there is going to be competition to get into the former Tottenham Hotspur manager’s team.

However, Palmer clearly fancies his chances, otherwise the England U21 international would not have left his boyhood club for Chelsea.