Enzo Maresca calls out his own player after Wolves win and says he must improve

Chelsea ended a five-match Premier League winless streak as goals from Tosin Adarabioyo, Marc Cucurella, and Noni Madueke secured a crucial victory over Vitor Pereira’s team.

For a moment, it seemed Wolves might salvage something from the match after equalizing against the run of play in first-half stoppage time.

However, Chelsea reclaimed their advantage on the hour mark through Marc Cucurella, who scored in his 100th league appearance following excellent work by Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Noni Madueke.

Just five minutes later, Madueke extended the lead for the hosts, heading in from close range to give them a two-goal cushion.

Madueke, who played 84 minutes before being substituted for academy product Tyrique George, netted his seventh goal of the season against Wolves, a side sitting just above the relegation zone in 17th place.

After the match, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca called on the England international to improve his effort levels.

“He can improve in the last third, but probably after he scored the goal, he stopped playing,” Maresca remarked. “This is something we need to fix immediately. Never be satisfied with one or two goals; you always have to push for more. After he scored, he stopped playing a bit, and it’s something we have to address.”

Maresca continued: “We just try to help them improve. After scoring, maybe he was tired, but that’s when we need to push harder.”

This is not the first instance of Maresca publicly challenging Madueke.

Last month, the Italian criticized the 22-year-old winger’s consistency and work ethic, explaining his decision to bench him for the win against Aston Villa.

“Noni can do much more,” he stated. “Once he scores or assists and feels satisfied, his performance level dips. That’s why he wasn’t playing, because I didn’t like how he trained.”

Maresca added: “He must train well every day and stay ambitious. Scoring one goal tonight is not enough; he should aim for a second and a third. He must provide more assists too.”

Three weeks later, when Madueke was omitted from the squad against Fulham, Maresca reiterated his stance.

In his post-match press conference, he explained: “Noni Madueke was not even on the bench due to a technical decision. No injury. Selection.”

Since taking charge at Stamford Bridge, Maresca has consistently pointed out areas where Madueke needs to improve.

Despite the criticism, Madueke has welcomed his manager’s feedback.

Speaking to Chelsea’s official website in September, the winger said: “I see it as a positive. He wants to push me and ensure I get the best out of myself in every training session.”

Madueke added: “Top players give their all every single day, and that’s exactly what I aspire to do as well.”