Sport
Maresca Criticizes Madueke for Slacking Off After Strong Performances
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has expressed his frustration with Noni Madueke’s attitude toward training, despite the player’s solid performance in their 5-1 victory over Southampton on Wednesday.
Madueke was included in the starting lineup for the match and even managed to get on the scoresheet, but his manager was not entirely pleased with his overall commitment.
Maresca revealed that, although he has a personal relationship with Madueke, he believes the player could achieve much more.
He criticized the winger for dropping his intensity in training whenever he hits a good patch of form.
Maresca pointed out that, while Madueke shows glimpses of brilliance when he scores or provides assists, he tends to ease off and become less focused.
The Chelsea manager explained that Madueke’s absence from the starting lineup against Aston Villa was due to his disappointing attitude in training.
Maresca emphasized that, for a player of Madueke’s potential, maintaining a high level of ambition and consistently giving his best during every training session is crucial for continued success.
Saudi club Al-Hilal has given Victor Osimhen a deadline this Friday to decide on their transfer offer. The Blue Waves are ready to activate the €75 million release clause in Osimhen’s contract, while also offering the Nigerian striker a lucrative deal worth €30 million per season.
Transfer expert Ben Jacobs reports that Al-Hilal remains hopeful Osimhen will say yes. This isn’t their first try to sign him—Al-Hilal first showed interest back in January 2023. Last summer, Osimhen agreed to join another Saudi team, Al-Ahli, but Napoli pushed for a higher fee, delaying the move.
France head coach Didier Deschamps has thrown his full support behind Ousmane Dembélé as a top contender for this year’s Ballon d’Or. Speaking ahead of their UEFA Nations League semi-final clash with Spain—a team featuring another strong candidate, Lamine Yamal—Deschamps praised Dembélé’s incredible season.
Just days ago, Dembélé helped Paris Saint-Germain lift the Champions League trophy and was crowned Player of the Season. The win capped off a historic campaign for PSG, who also clinched the Ligue 1 title and the Coupe de France to complete a remarkable Treble.
Deschamps said, “The Nations League and even the Club World Cup could still shape opinions, but if I had to pick right now, it’s Ousmane—no doubt. Ask the Spanish, they’ll likely back their own, but for me, with the season he’s had, Ousmane deserves it.”
Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez has backed midfielder Vitinha to win the Ballon d’Or after a standout season with Paris Saint-Germain. Vitinha played a key role in PSG’s incredible treble-winning campaign, helping them secure the Ligue 1 title, the Coupe de France, and a dominant 5-0 victory over Inter Milan in the Champions League final.
Speaking after Portugal’s 2-1 win over Germany in the UEFA Nations League, Martinez praised the midfielder’s impact. “Vitinha has been vital to PSG’s success this season,” he said. “He’s been at the heart of everything they’ve achieved. He deserves the Ballon d’Or.” Despite Martinez’s strong support for Vitinha, many see his PSG teammate Ousmane Dembele as the current frontrunner for the award.
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