Chelsea signing delivers honest admission after slow start: ‘I need to improve’

Chelsea wing-back Marco Palestra has acknowledged he needs to improve after a slow start following his £45 million summer transfer from Atalanta. The 21-year-old made his first competitive start for manager Xabi Alonso in a 2-0 Premier League victory over Manchester United. Despite receiving criticism from sections of the fanbase regarding his defensive positioning, Palestra helped the Blues record a rare home clean sheet.

Palestra stated that while he was initially thrilled to join Chelsea, he recognizes the need to elevate his game to succeed with the team. The Italian international also reflected on his development under former coach Marco Fioretto, who shifted him from midfield to wide positions. Palestra is now aiming to retain his starting place for Sunday's league fixture against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.