A Premier League legend believes Cole Palmer should leave Chelsea without stability, because the locker room atmosphere and lack of a clear project are stalling his career.
The former Manchester City player has expressed concern about the atmosphere in the Stamford Bridge locker room, which could harm the development of Chelsea's young stars. Gareth Barry suggested that players like Palmer may have to look for another team to fulfill their ambitions.
"Every player wants a stable locker room," Barry told Midnite. "If the atmosphere is toxic, it's hard to train and perform every day. The locker room is very strong, but if two or three players doubt the coach or his methods, that unease spreads and affects the whole team's performance. If that happens at Chelsea, the locker room suffers."
The warnings come amid growing rumors of a possible move to Old Trafford, with Palmer reportedly tempted to return to the northwest. Although the player has already denied exit rumors, Barry believes the lack of a long-term plan will eventually take its toll.
"Any player, Cole Palmer or another, if he does not see a stable future at Chelsea, it is logical that he and his agent look for where they can succeed, because a footballer's career is short," Barry added.
Palmer has endured a frustrating season due to a groin injury that kept him sidelined for 12 weeks, despite which he scored nine goals in 22 league matches.
The club's internal situation reached a critical point under Rosenior, whose brief tenure was undermined by the squad's lack of respect. Discord reigned in the locker room; some players referred to the former coach with the hurtful nickname "the substitute teacher" as results worsened.
Barry admitted that once the locker room turns against a coach, he has a difficult recovery: "I have lived through moments like this. The coach sees that a player is affecting the group, he wants to get rid of him, but in football, you can't do it overnight. Liam Rosenior would not have had time to react," he pointed out.
For Palmer, the priority is to regain his best form and earn a place on Thomas Tuchel's World Cup roster with England. However, the Blues are eighth in the Premier League and are suffering a historic goal drought, so his loyalty could be tested if the club does not find the stability that, according to Barry, is key to succeeding.
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