Tore Andre Flo: Cole Palmer Will Start Next Season On Fire

Chelsea closed out their campaign with silverware, lifting the Europa Conference League trophy after an emphatic 4-1 win over Real Betis in Wrocław. In a night defined by attacking flair and technical dominance, goals from Enzo Fernandez and Nicolas Jackson, both assisted by Cole Palmer, were followed by strikes from loanee Jadon Sancho and Moises Caicedo to cap off a memorable performance.

We caught up with former Chelsea striker Tore Andre Flo to reflect on a season of highs and lows, the resurgence of Moises Caicedo, the ongoing debate around Jadon Sancho's future, and why he believes Cole Palmer is ready to explode next season.

Sancho Has the Quality to Score Beautiful Goals

Jadon Sancho’s future remains a divisive topic as Chelsea weigh up whether to trigger their purchase clause or exercise their option to walk away. His form has been inconsistent, but there’s no denying the impact he made in the final. His dazzling solo effort was Chelsea’s third on the night and served as a reminder of his raw talent. Flo believes Sancho’s brilliance is undeniable, but consistency remains the biggest hurdle.

“With Sancho, sometimes I’ve been really, really impressed and other times I’ve been very frustrated,” Flo admitted. “I think that’s the general opinion of him. Sometimes he shows he’s the guy that can get past any defender and score beautiful goals.”

“But the issue is he doesn’t do it often enough. If he can do it more often, then he’s more than good enough. Chelsea have many good wingers so they can alternate. It’s a nice problem to have because you don’t have to rely on him.”

Flo remained cautious about a permanent move, adding, “To be a definite signing, it’s difficult to say.”

Enzo Has Become the Player We Hoped He Would

Chelsea’s season may have ended in triumph, but it wasn’t without its turbulent stretches. A midseason dip in form raised concerns about the team’s ability to sustain consistency at the top level. Nevertheless, Flo believes the midfield duo of Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez have shown their class and in Enzo’s case, justified the massive price tag.

“I think Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez have had good seasons. Enzo has become that player we were hoping he would become,” he said.

Yet the Norwegian was quick to point out the broader issue facing the squad. “The thing that has disappointed me is the fact Chelsea haven’t been able to show form for a long period, which you need to be at the very top. There have been good spells and not so good spells.”

“They have the level but don’t always show it, and it’s frustrating sometimes.”

Palmer’s Dip Is Natural And He’ll Start Next Season on Fire

Cole Palmer was instrumental in Chelsea’s victory, creating chances, notching two assists, and demonstrating flashes of the player who took the league by storm last season. Though his recent form hasn’t quite matched those early heights, Flo is confident the young playmaker will return stronger than ever.

“I love Cole Palmer. I think he’s cool to watch. He’s an interesting player. He’s fun to watch,” he said. “But the last few months haven’t been the same with him. It's natural that a young player has periods where he struggles. It’s normal.”

“I expect him to start next season on fire. He hasn’t been quite himself lately. We’ve seen glimpses, but his confidence has taken a hit. The self-belief will come again.”