Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has candidly opened up about his decision to bench Noni Madueke during recent fixtures, citing concerns over the winger’s training standards.
Enzo Maresca Reveals He Dropped Noni Madueke Over Training Concerns
Despite Madueke’s dazzling display in Chelsea’s emphatic 5-1 win over Southampton – where he marked his name on the scoresheet – Maresca expressed frustration over the England international’s inconsistency in effort during training sessions.
Maresca, known for his no-nonsense approach to player development, admitted that while Madueke has immense potential, his performance tends to dip once he achieves a run of good form.
Speaking after the game, Maresca didn’t hold back, calling for a higher level of ambition and focus from the 21-year-old.
“With Noni, it’s not just about what he does on the pitch during matches,” Maresca said.
“He’s a fantastic player with incredible talent, but when he starts scoring or assisting, he becomes complacent.
That’s where the problem lies. He needs to understand that this is just the starting point.”
The Chelsea manager revealed his dissatisfaction with Madueke’s training intensity, which was the reason he was left out of the squad for last week’s clash against Aston Villa.
“I didn’t like the way he trained,” Maresca added.
“Every day matters. Training is where great players build consistency. If you score one goal tonight, go for the second, the third. Keep pushing.”
Maresca tempered his criticism with praise, highlighting the winger’s growth in terms of contributions this season, which now stands at five goals and two assists in just 13 Premier League appearances. However, he urged Madueke to aim even higher.
“He’s doing great, and his numbers are improving,” Maresca acknowledged.
“But I believe he can be much, much better. He has to demand more from himself every single day.”
Chelsea’s £29 million January 2023 signing from PSV Eindhoven, Madueke is widely regarded as a future star.
But for now, Maresca’s tough love seems aimed at ensuring the young talent reaches his full potential in a demanding Premier League environment.
