Cole Palmer Slams Chelsea's Champions League Disaster: "We Let Ourselves Down"

Chelsea suffered defeat in their Champions League opener against Bayern Munich on Wednesday, leaving star player Cole Palmer disappointed with how his team let the match slip away.

A classic Harry Kane display proved decisive for the German side in Munich, even though Palmer celebrated his 100th club appearance by netting his maiden Champions League goal for Chelsea. The influential playmaker shared his thoughts on the team's showing afterward, commending the group effort while pinpointing the areas where they faltered in their comeback to Europe's top tournament.

"I believed we performed admirably. We've demonstrated we belong at this level" Palmer stated.

"The three goals we allowed were down to our own errors. We created opportunities. We merited a better outcome than what we received. We began positively. We had early scoring chances, but when you commit defensive mistakes it's always challenging to get back into the contest. It was a lapse in focus, and poor game management. I believe we proved we can compete with the elite teams in this tournament.

"The coach told us beforehand that he believes we can match anyone. I think we demonstrated that regardless of the scoreline. Being back in this competition feels good, we just need to build from this point."

An unfortunate Trevoh Chalobah own goal and a Harry Kane spot-kick left the Blues trailing by two goals within 27 minutes. Palmer restored hope for Chelsea just two minutes following Kane's strike, but the clinical forward netted his second in the 63rd minute to seal the victory.

Enzo Maresca believed Chelsea were unfairly treated by a refereeing call from José María Sánchez Martínez concerning Jonathan Tah and João Pedro moments after Palmer had found the net.

"In my opinion, it's an obvious red card," the Chelsea manager told the media after the match.

"When there's no attempt to play the ball, only to foul the player, how is that not a sending off? The referee claimed it wasn't aggressive enough. Do they need to see blood to show a red card? For me the intent was to harm so there's no question."

Bayern coach Vincent Kompany defended his player, arguing for a different interpretation of the incident.

Beyond Premier League and cup competitions, Chelsea will meet Benfica, Ajax and Qarabağ next before facing another stern test against Barcelona. The Blues should be expected to beat their upcoming three rivals before welcoming last season's semi-finalists and a genuine title contender.

Though the Blues are unlikely to underestimate their opponents, Barcelona offers another chance, as Palmer expressed, to show they can hold their own against the Champions League's finest teams.