Mariska: We Needed This Victory, and That's What I Told Palmer

Chelsea coach Enzo Mariska appeared in press statements after the victory over Southampton 4-0 in the 27th round of the Premier League.

The coach said: "We all needed such a victory; we were on a bad streak in terms of results. The performance was always there, perhaps except for the Brighton match. The club needed that. We are happy."

He added: "During this month and a half, I pushed the players more to believe in the process. Since we started, we were almost in the top four. But now it's normal to go through some bad moments. It's about how we react and how we continue to believe in what we do. The players are amazing and work hard every day."

On playing Pedro Neto in the middle: "At the moment, we have five, six, or seven important injuries. All clubs, when they have this kind of injuries, we are all in the same boat. We started the season very well for a long time. Then with injuries, especially to our striker, we tried different solutions. We tried Pedro as a number nine last week. He was good then and tonight as well."

On Christopher Nkunku: "I am happy with him, but I know he can give more. We expect more from him. But at the same time, we try to understand him. He is not a midfielder or a winger. He played as a winger tonight. He is an attacking midfielder. The problem is that sometimes we need to find the balance."

On the young players coming off the bench: "Perhaps there were too many young players at the end. Chelsea's academy has always been good. We already have many players like Levi Colwill, and we hope in the future to be able to get more."

On Cole Palmer's performance: "We are all former players. We all went through some bad moments. You can't expect Palmer to be as he was last season or as he was in the first part of the season. That's normal. He is human; I told him that this is normal. He is happy. He is fine. He has shared the dressing room with some great players, and he knows that every great player goes through bad moments. It's about how you react. Keep working, keep laughing, stay calm, be happy, and enjoy football. That's the only thing you have to do."