Chelsea’s Noni Madueke has expressed his approval of Enzo Maresca’s strict management style at Stamford Bridge, believing that the Italian’s tough approach will help him continue to develop.
Maresca has made some bold and decisive moves since joining Chelsea, dropping key players like Raheem Sterling, Ben Chilwell, and Trevoh Chalobah from the first-team squad.
Even players who have performed well have faced criticism from the no-nonsense coach, with Madueke being one of those held to high standards.
After scoring his first goal of the season in the Europa Conference League play-off against Servette, Maresca quickly reminded him that consistency in training is essential.
Despite Madueke’s impressive hat-trick against Wolves, Maresca once again pointed out areas for improvement.
‘In the first 10 minutes he had two chances and overall he was very good,’ Maresca said after Chelsea’s thumping 6-2 win at Molineux.
‘The only thing I didn’t like from Noni is the free-kick he gave away before half-time and we can avoid that. especially against a team who are good from set-pieces.’
Madueke, who has been rewarded with his first senior England call-up, is ready to take all that on board, eager for Maresca to push him onto the next level.
‘I feel like it’s only a positive. He wants to push me and wants to make sure I get the best out of myself in every single training session,’ Madueke said.
‘Top players train to their fullest every single day, so that’s for sure what I strive to be as well.’
He added: ‘I think I’m in really good goalscoring form. My goalscoring has really improved over the last four or five months.
‘Also just my reliability. I think I’m churning out games where I’m at a consistent level and long may it continue.’
Madueke starred under England interim boss Lee Carsley at Under-21 level and will hope to make his senior debut when they face Republic of Ireland on Saturday evening in Dublin.
