Chelsea star responds after Enzo Maresca called him out for actions boss 'didn't like'

Chelsea star Noni Madueke insists Enzo Maresca’s tough love has played a part in his excellent start to the season. The winger says being pushed harder by the Blues head coach has been a ‘positive’ experience.

Maresca insisted there was still room for Madueke to improve his performance against Wolves 10 days ago, even though the former PSV star struck a memorable first Premier League hat-trick. The Italian was frustrated that his No. 11 conceded a free-kick in a dangerous position during the 6-2 romp.

“In the first 10 minutes he had two chances and overall he was very good,” Maresca said after the game. “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.”

Maresca has publicly called on Madueke to be ‘consistent’ in every training session. It would be easy for the 22-year-old to dislike those comments but instead, he is embracing his new manager’s firm style.

“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.”

Madueke ended last season in good form under Mauricio Pochettino and now has four goals in all competitions this term. He believes he has become more reliable.

“I think I’m in really good goalscoring form,” he said. ”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 is in line to make his England debut during this international break. A senior cap would culminate a memorable start to the season.

“In terms of England, I’m made up by it,” the forward continued. “It’s an honour and I’m blessed, I thank God for it. I can’t wait to link up with the boys.

“The manager called me about an hour or two before the England squad came out [in the afternoon] and broke the news to me. I was in my room, just relaxing preparing for the game, watching SWAT on Netflix, and Cars (England interim boss Lee Carsley) said I should give him a buzz. I did and he told me that I was in the squad. I was super happy about it.”