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Chelsea's star believes Chelsea do not see this season's European tournament as a "development phase" - since they intend to be successful in it straight away.

Chelsea's team were second-best as they lost 3-1 to a more experienced Bayern Munich at Munich's stadium on Wednesday.

It was Chelsea's first appearance in the tournament since April 2023 - and the fixture highlighted a young team will need to improve on what it takes to win at that stage.

But gaffer Maresca indicated his side can learn plenty from the loss and "develop something exceptional" - while winger Palmer has disputed the idea that they can't do that quickly.

"The team are not coming here for it to be a experience builder," he stated. "The squad have shown tonight we desire to fight and we plan to do as strong as we possible."

The club won the Club World Cup in last month, defeating Paris St-Germain in East Rutherford, having lifted the Conference League two months earlier, but Chelsea's previous attacker the analyst always believed the Champions League was going to be a tougher test.

"It was the type of showing that I foresaw from Chelsea," the expert commented. "A lot fans were saying prior that they were going to make an impact in this league, they are global champions and such, but I was thinking, 'wait a minute'. The gap you require to do to come to stadiums like this is very significant and a number of individuals just don't have that exposure so far. They couldn't equipped to do it as a team today."

Chelsea recognize weaknesses

The manager may have been mostly pleased with his side's display, but conceded they lacked "complete focus for the whole 95 minutes".

He added: "Believe the team were fully aware of this tournament, of the difficulties. You can't commit blunders in the fashion we have done, but I just said to the team, it's a game that we can take a lot from, and build something great from this loss."

The side played decently, especially at the start when Pedro Neto and the midfielder missed great chances, but lapses hurt them.

They switched off at a drop-ball, allowing the opposition attacker Olise open to cross a cross that the defender turned into his goal. Then engine Moises Caicedo fouled Harry Kane to give away a foul - which the skipper scored.

After Palmer had netted a strike in reply, Harry Kane sealed victory in the later stage when full-back the Frenchman gave away the ball.

They were every backline lapses against deadly foes. The German side - a club who have succeeded in their opener in every of their previous 22 Champions League seasons - master the challenges at this level, in a manner the present Blues side do not.

How can the team overcome their youth?

Pat Nevin commented: "The match was not exactly men against boys, but the hosts were definitely a good level ahead of the English side here. The errors the team made were very immature and they were exposed, not just for the finishes, but for a plethora of chances aside from that. It's what occurs with youthful team playing in this league, but they will improve from that. This level is top. It is a leap. And that transition may need them a some time."

Lack of exposure may well have been an factor: At Allianz Arena, Chelsea fielded their among the youngest ever UCL team.

Their entire 24-man group started Wednesday's game with just 117 games in the competition between them. By contrast, shot-stopper Neuer, 39, has played 131 games in the tournament for Bayern Munich by himself.

His teammates the captain, the midfielder and Serge Gnabry have significant knowledge at this level. On the other hand, London pair the midfielder and the defender were making their debuts in the event although being within the team's star players.

Additionally boss Enzo, formerly on Guardiola's coaching set-up during the Citizens' 2022-23 triple-winning run, may have to adapt to this level.

It seemed as if a third Munich strike was imminent for a few minutes prior to Harry Kane netted it - but the coach seemed slow to react, and merely made adjustments once his squad had fallen 3-1 behind.

It was insufficient, and too late.