Noni Madueke insists Chelsea are a great team despite the “exaggerated” noise surrounding “big boy” Enzo Maresca's team
Chelsea winger Noni Madueke says the negative noise around the club is “overblown” and praises life under Enzo Maresca so far.
The Blues' transfer window activity has dominated the headlines this summer, with several big names heading for the exit.
Romelu Lukaku He left for Napleswhile Raheem Sterling signed by Arsenal loaned out after being left out of the squad and his entourage issued a statement regarding his future at the club. Ben ChilwellMeanwhile, he remains in exile.
Several players are training away from the first team as they fight to get into the squad for matches.
But Madueke insists things are not as chaotic as has been suggested.
The winger, who earned his first senior England call-up for international duty this month, told talkSPORT: “Of course, what you see from the outside is a bit of an exaggeration.
“Of course, the building is a great place to be, to be around. But of course, there are a lot of things going on with all the signings, the rotation and all that stuff.
“But as a footballer your job is to perform on the field.
“You can't just focus on the external, you have to concentrate, try to play your best football when it's necessary.
“That’s what I try to do.”
After Mauricio Pochettino left Chelsea At the end of last season, despite having guided the Blues to a sixth-place finish in the Premier League, the pressure was on the new manager. Enzo Maresca.
But the Italian, who led Leicester back to the Premier League last season, appears to have got his team selections right so far and Madueke is already enjoying playing under him.
3
The 22-year-old said: “He's a great guy, a very good coach, a great tactician. He's helping me a lot with my game, little details.
“Things you wouldn’t necessarily think about yourself. I always feel like a great manager will say ‘this will help you score more, this can help you score more goals’, things like that.
“Little things like that really help.”
Chelsea have had a mixed start to the campaign, losing 2-0 to Manchester Citybeating Wolves 6-2 and drawing 1-1 with Crystal Palace.
Madueke has been at his best under Maresca, scoring four goals in two games this season, three of them at Molineux.
A star that is also blossoming this season is Cole Palmer.
After an excellent debut campaign with the Blues last season, Palmer has continued his fine form, scoring one goal and providing four assists so far.
3
Madueke and Palmer played together for years before Palmer arrived at Stamford Bridge last summer, shining for England's under-21 side.
And the winger says the combined experience is working wonders for both of them at Chelsea.
“We've been playing together for eight years, I think in exactly the same positions we play now,” he said.
“It's great that he's my teammate and we have a good relationship off the pitch as well, but on the pitch we know each other's game.
“It's easy to play with someone like that because he knows what you like to do and I know what he likes to do.
“We have good chemistry and I hope it continues like this for a long time.”
JOIN THE DUGOUT
Have your say on all things talkSPORT by joining 'THE DUGOUT' – our new panel of listeners.
Our aim is to take a deeper look at your perspectives and make sure talkSPORT is the best it can be. Your voice matters and we want to hear it!
Present your innovative ideas and participate in fun locker room polls, surveys and debates.
Just by joining, you'll be entered into a draw to win one of four £50 Amazon vouchers, and you'll be entered into another draw for every survey you complete afterwards.
To join 'The DUGOUT' panel, please Click here.
