Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca says Noni Madueke has been improving after coming out publicly to criticise the former PSV Eindhoven winger, Afrosport reports.
The 22-year-old Englishman of Nigerian heritage scored only his season goal of the season in the 5-1 midweek win at Southampton but Maresca was not satisfied with his overall form which reflected in training.
The Italian tactician stated that he has spoken this way about Madueke because wants the best for the Tottenham Hotspur academy graduate.
“Overall he’s working well since we start. Sometimes he drops a little bit. He’s not allowed to drop. In terms of numbers, he’s doing fantastic with goals and assists,” Maresca said.
“Off the ball when we ask him to defend and press he’s doing very well. The only reason I said this the other day is because I want the best from Noni and to get the best you have to push him. If he relaxes a little bit, it’s wrong.
“I try to be, not a friend, but close to the players. Sometimes between friends, when you say something wrong to your friend he’s not happy. He has to know that what you say is because you want to take care of him.
“The same happened with Reece [James] when I spoke about leadership, it’s because I wanted the best for Reece and for him to improve. For Noni, this is not different.”
This finish from Noni! 🤩#CFC | #SOUCHE pic.twitter.com/BuiYQp2M18
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) December 5, 2024
Chelsea’s form had improved under Maresca with the club currently sitting second on the table behind leaders Liverpool.
The former Leicester City boss is happy with the level the team is at but believes there is still room for improvement.
“In terms of points and how we want to play on and off the ball, I was convinced we’d reach that moment but not so early. We can do many things better in both situations – attacking and defending. We are ahead of my expectations,” he added.
“It’s because the players are doing fantastic. Probably the reason why is because we focus on the day by day and seeing how we can improve players. No more than that.”
Chelsea will take on London rivals Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday evening with the hope of closing the gap to the top following the postponement of the Merseyside derby between Everton and Liverpool.
