Cole Palmer opens up on “frustrating” Manchester City season and vows to “prove” his ability

Manchester City youngster Cole Palmer has discussed his difficult campaign with the Blues, as the forward vowed to “do more and more” in an attempt to break into Pep Guardiola’s immediate plans.

Despite making 19 appearances, Cole Palmer has made just five starts for Manchester City this season after failing to properly kick on after breakthrough 2021/22 campaign.

The 20 year-old was handed a surprise full Premier League debut against Everton in November 2021 having impressed against the likes of Club Brugge in the Champions League and West Ham and Wycombe in the Carabao Cup.

However, Palmer hasn’t made a Premier League start since, and despite scoring against Burnley in the Emirates FA Cup prior to the international break, the young forward has struggled to compete for a place within Pep Guardiola’s starting side.

The England U21 international started fixtures against Chelsea in both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup, though was hooked off in the dismal 2-0 loss to Southampton in the League Cup quarter-finals in January.

In an interview with the Daily Mail, the 20 year-old admitted that the season has been “tough” but vowed to bounce back and “prove” his ability.

“The season has been tough, I’m not going to lie. When you’re not playing it does affect you,” said the winger.

“When I’ve played this season, I don’t think I’ve played to the ability I could have. I don’t really have any complaints to be honest.

“Maybe when I have played, I’ve been trying that bit too hard to try and do something. Maybe I was putting too much pressure on myself, that when I did get the opportunity thinking ‘right, I’ve got to do something here’ so I can have a chance of staying in the team.

“It’s been frustrating but I’m not one to stop. The coaches believe in me and they’ve told me that. It’s up to me to prove my ability.

“In training you have to do more than you’re doing, You can’t just do the bare minimum and expect to play. I’ve got to do more and more. I’m at one of the best teams in the world, with the best players, so I try not to get too down.”

Palmer also revealed the impact of Riyad Mahrez, with the Algerian having scored 12 goals for City already this season.

“All of the lads have given me advice. Riyad (Mahrez) is the one I look up to the most. He’s 12 years older than me, he’s telling me all the information. I’m always next to him in training. If you go in there and not listen, you’ll just drown.”