Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca overlooked winger Noni Madueke from the match against Fulham, the past London derby, saying there was a “technical reason” behind it.
What really happened?
Indeed, that is significant and came after Maresca put two goalkeepers alongside three academy players on his bench.
Maresca has in the past raised concerns over Madueke’s attitude and training efforts, saying that there is a need for consistent ambition and daily commitment. As per The Guardian, the English winger failed to impress Maresca in the training.
The exclusion of Maresca from the squad seems to indicate that the team is looking for greater commitment and performance from the winger in order to hold his position in future matches.
Enzo Maresca’s move to bench Noni Madueke from the available squad during the recent Fulham game has sparked criticism, and many are pondering on her role or even her status in the team.
When questioned, the manager attributed this to a “technical decision” without giving the real reason, though it was a bit evident that this wasn’t injury-related. Things then got all the more surprising when a pair of goalkeepers and most academy players made up for the bench.
News in that may seem to point to a query over Maresca questioning Madueke’s ability to hold up commitment. Maresca said players must be “daily ambitious” and committed to winning, a suggestion that suggests the manager felt Madueke hadn’t lived up to the required standard for competition under him.
Career of Noni Madueke
As for criticizing Madueke, he’s said little negative towards the player; it sends quite a statement in his actions by keeping him out of Chelsea’s roster under Maresca. Madueke, who joined Chelsea in January 2023 from PSV Eindhoven, arrived with high expectations.
His performances have shown flashes of promise, but he has struggled to establish himself as a regular starter.
This could be a defining moment for Madueke. It might just prove to be a wake-up call to raise his training levels and performances, more so as Maresca is keen on forming a side that regularly meets his tactical and behavioral requirements. Otherwise, further exclusion will attract speculation about his future at Chelsea.
The ball is in Madueke’s court to respond positively and prove his worth to the team. His reaction on and off the pitch may be what determines if he will reclaim his position in the squad in the coming weeks.
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