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Chelsea star Noni Madueke responds to Enzo Maresca’s criticism

Chelsea star Noni Madueke responds to Enzo Maresca’s criticism

Chelsea star Noni Madueke responds to Enzo Maresca’s criticism

Chelsea striker Noni Madueke believes the criticism he receives from manager Enzo Maresca is a ‘positive’ endorsement that is helping him reach his full potential.

The 22-year-old appears to have finally found his best form at the start of this season, having scored four goals in four games in all competitions so far, including a hat-trick in the 6-2 away win at Wolves.

However, Maresca has still pointed out some shortcomings in Madueke’s game, such as being unhappy with a free kick the winger gave away in a dangerous position against Wolves.

Some supporters reacted negatively to the criticism of Madueke, whose excellent form at the start of the season earned him his first call-up to the England national team.

Madueke himself, however, is pleased that his manager sets the bar high.

“I feel like it’s only positive,” Madueke said of Maresca’s criticism (via Chelsea’s official website).

“He wants to push me and make sure I get the best out of myself in every training session. Top players train to the max every day, so that’s definitely what I’m aiming for.”

Noni Madueke ‘blessed’ with England call-up

Madueke has now joined the England squad preparing for the UEFA Nations League clash against Ireland and Finland, their first games since defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final.

Interim manager Lee Carsley knows Madueke from their time with the U21s and the attacker can’t wait to get started with this new opportunity, which he describes as a ‘blessing’.

“As for England, I’m happy,” Madueke said. “It’s an honour and I’m blessed, I thank God for it. I can’t wait to play with the boys.

“The manager called me about an hour or two before the England team came out (in the afternoon) and told me the news. I was sitting in my room, relaxing and getting ready for the game, watching SWAT on Netflix and Cars said to call him. I did and he told me I was in the team. I was over the moon about it.

“He knows my game and he’s a great manager, a great guy, so I’m looking forward to going and definitely competing. A few of us who won the Under-21 European Championships are going up, so that should be good. It’ll be really nice to see all the lads, just give it our best shot and show everyone what we’re all about.”