Reports in recent days claimed Palmer was unsettled in London and open to a return to the north west, with Manchester United touted as a possible destination. Rosenior described the suggestions as unrealistic and timed to distract from the start of his reign.

"There's nothing in it," Rosenior said. "Cole is here, he's happy and he wants to be a Chelsea player. We've had numerous conversations about how we can improve the team and how I can help him. He loves being here."

Palmer, who joined Chelsea from Manchester City for 42.5 million in 2023, signed a two-year contract extension last August that could keep him at the club until 2033. Despite that, his future has been questioned amid a difficult spell this season, disrupted by groin and thigh injuries and reflected in reduced output and visible frustration on the pitch.

Rosenior said those emotions had been misinterpreted. "The frustration people have seen is about performance, not about happiness," he added. "Every top player goes through difficult moments with injuries. That's no reflection of his quality or his commitment."

The 23-year-old has travelled with the squad to Italy ahead of Wednesday's decisive Champions League meeting with Napoli, after missing the weekend win over Crystal Palace. Chelsea require victory to put themselves in a strong position to progress directly to the last 16.

Rosenior, who has won four of his first five matches in charge, acknowledged the scrutiny that comes with replacing Enzo Maresca but said it would not alter his focus. "A new manager comes in and suddenly there's talk of players being unsettled," he said. "It's not true, and it doesn't change my plans."

He also declined to be drawn on reports that Raheem Sterling could leave before the transfer deadline, saying only that he has "huge respect" for the forward, while confirming goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen and midfielder Dario Essugo are sidelined with injuries.

Chelsea now turn their attention to Napoli and a reunion with former manager Antonio Conte, with Rosenior expecting a stern test despite recent mixed results for the Italian side. "The atmosphere will be special," he said. "We're prepared for a very difficult game."

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