What Enzo Maresca Told Madueke Before His Vital Strike vs Nottingham
Enzo Maresca revealed the conversation he had with Noni Madueke that played a pivotal role in Chelsea salvaging a point against Nottingham Forest over the weekend. In a match where the Blues fell behind, it was the 21-year-old winger who stepped up to find the net, preventing what would have been Chelsea’s second Premier League defeat this season.
Madueke’s performance drew praise from pundits, who described him as a “shining light” on a day where Chelsea struggled to break through Forest’s well-organized defense. The winger’s timely goal not only earned his team a vital point but also staked his claim for more minutes in the starting eleven after the international break.
Following his goal, Madueke celebrated with a spirited dash towards Maresca, leaving fans curious about the significance of the moment. Maresca, speaking to the official Chelsea website, shared insight into the brief exchange that occurred earlier in the week. “Very happy for Noni,” Maresca said. “During the week, I told him that he scored three goals against Wolves and then he stopped scoring. Today, he scored. Probably [that was why he celebrated the way he did], yes.”
It appears that the manager’s motivational nudge paid off, as Madueke responded with a goal in a critical moment. The winger had been under pressure, not just from external expectations, but also from within the squad, as Pedro Neto’s fine form looms large over his position in the starting line-up. Nonetheless, Maresca has shown loyalty to his players, resisting the temptation to tinker with his selections despite the depth of talent at his disposal.
This situation mirrors the internal competition between Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku for Chelsea’s main striking role. Jackson started the match, while Nkunku came off the bench late in the game, missing a prime opportunity to secure victory for the Blues.
Madueke’s recent display and call-up to the England national team alongside Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill will boost his confidence as Chelsea head into the international break. With Maresca’s faith in him, Madueke is certainly looking to solidify his spot and continue his upward trajectory.
What Enzo Maresca Told Madueke Before His Vital Strike vs Nottingham
