Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca has resisted requests for clarification over Noni Madueke's exclusion from his squad against Fulham, describing the move as a “technical decision”.
Striker Madueke was left out of Chelsea's 0-0 draw with Everton on December 22 and was ruled out entirely for the first time in the Premier League this season as his side suffered a last-gasp 2-1 defeat at home to the Cottagers on Thursday.
“Sometimes we make some decisions, and it's nothing more than that,” Maresca answered when pressed repeatedly in the surprise casting call.
Noni Madueke POV. 🥇#CFCs | #Adhana pic.twitter.com/rQLF87wCUE
– Chelsea (@ChelseaFC) December 5, 2024
Noni Madueke “responded very well”
Maresca publicly asked Madueke for the first time to improve in August, and said the 22-year-old “has to work more” when he was left off during the 4-3 win over Tottenham on December 8.
Three of Madueke's six goals this season came in a 6-2 win over Wolves on 25 August, and the England international also provided a goal and an assist in a 5-1 win over Southampton on 4 December.
His coach had given Madueke 19 minutes in Chelsea's previous match, when he created a goal in a 3-0 win over Aston Villa.
In response to a question about Madueke’s reaction to his previous statements, Maresca, who preferred to name two goalkeepers on the bench against Fulham, said: “He responded very well… there is nothing more than that.”
The 23rd player to score A #PL Hat-trick for Chelsea: Noni Madueke 🌟💙#CFCs | #Walk pic.twitter.com/LsfFN9wH4i
– Chelsea (@ChelseaFC) August 26, 2024
Liam Delap “Awesome”
Fulham scored in the 82nd and 95th minutes to come back from behind and expose Chelsea to their first defeat in 13 matches in all competitions, as well as their first in the league since their 2-1 loss to leaders Liverpool on October 20.
The second-placed Blues are 23 points ahead of second-placed Ipswich Town, who they visit on Monday (7.45pm GMT) – and Maresca is a fan of Tractor Boys top scorer Liam Delap, who has scored six goals, having worked with the 21-goal scorer. Year-old striker during his time as Manchester City coach.
“We have a bad feeling about losing,” Mareska said. “We know that reality doesn't mean losing one game every two months. It's about how we react.
“Liam is a fantastic player for his age. He works hard off the ball and understands the game from the score.
He added: “Because of his age, he could be an important player for England. “We spent a year together… England are very lucky because they have so many good strikers.”
Ipswich agreed a deal with City in July worth up to £20m for Delap, who is yet to play for England but has played for his country at youth level, winning the European Under-19 Championship in 2022.