Things are really rolling for Chelsea right now.
The Blues have fired their way to the top of the Premier League table with a series of really big wins, they’re the top scorers in the division and absolutely cruising in the Conference League. Enzo Maresca couldn’t have hoped for a better start as coach, and he’s responded by making the rather unusual move of calling out one of his regulars.
More Stories about Noni Madueke
Enzo Maresca sits impassively as Chelsea thrash Southampton.
A generic interior view of Stamford Bridge. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
Noni Madueke celebrates a goal for Chelsea (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
Last week he dropped Noni Madueke as we faced Aston Villa, and then after restoring him to the team against Southampton in midweek, criticised his attitude in games and in training.
It’s all part of the Maresca man management master plan which pundit Janusz Michallik praised on ESPN last night.
Noni Madueke celebrates scoring against Southampton. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Noni Madueke celebrates scoring against Southampton. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Pundit on Madueke form and Maresca feedback
“Madueke, look at what Enzo’s doing with him. He wants more and more and more. I’m not surprised because he’s got all the tools. I agree with Enzo that he’s a bit lazy and he wants this consistency, this 95 minute commitment every game, not just in the game but in training as well because he probably sees it,” the pundit said.
“We don’t see what’s happening in training, but you can only imagine if he’s capable of doing that… imagine if he was doing that in training day in and day out as well.”
We’ve all seen the brilliant flashes from Madueke since the day he arrived, but we’ve also seen the same slight lack of edge and hunger that Maresca is calling out. Previous managers whispered about it but were never in place long enough to really call it out. It’s super to see Maresca feel so comfortable that he is willing to do that, and we can’t wait to see Noni’s response on the pitch.