“I will start you tonight” “Time to prove yourself” – Enzo Maresca on Chelsea star ahead of Ipswich clash
Despite being left out of the squad for the Boxing Day derby loss to Fulham, Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has indicated that winger Noni Madueke is still in the running for the trip to Ipswich Town.
There were questions raised about Madueke’s absence, particularly as Maresca decided to start two goalkeepers on the bench in his place. The Italian CEO gave the following explanation for the decision:
“Sometimes we just take a decision and it’s no more than that. Is he in contention for Ipswich? Yeah, for sure.”
This isn’t the first time the 22-year-old England international has been omitted under Maresca. He was also left out against Aston Villa earlier in December after reportedly not meeting the manager’s expectations in training.
Maresca emphasized that the decision to drop Madueke was purely technical and not personal:
“The competition has to be higher, but not only for Noni Madueke. Also Renato Veiga was not in the squad, and the reason is exactly the same for both of them. There is not any different reason; it’s just a technical decision.”
After being left out against Villa, Madueke responded in style by scoring in a 5-1 victory over Southampton just three days later.
Maresca expects a similar reaction this time:
“Very good, fantastic, and he responded very good at that time, so there is no more than that.
“I expect the same this time, yeah, absolutely.”