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.
Barcelona is reportedly weighing up the possibility of cutting short Marcus Rashford’s loan spell just weeks after bringing him in from Manchester United, according to El Nacional.
Rashford, who made the switch to Spain in July after falling out of favour at Old Trafford, has found life at Camp Nou difficult to adapt to. The England international had already been sidelined from first-team training at United alongside Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, and Tyrell Malacia before sealing the move.
However, his early days in LaLiga have not gone as hoped. Barca chiefs are said to be unimpressed with his form and are now considering sending him back to Manchester. Rashford has featured in their opening three league matches but was hauled off at halftime in the clash against Levante, where Barcelona trailed 2-0 before pulling off a stunning 3-2 comeback.
Rashford was expected to inject fresh energy into Barcelona’s attack, but the pressure is already mounting as the club questions whether the loan was the right call.
Super Eagles boss Eric Chelle has made a bold call ahead of today’s World Cup qualifier against Rwanda, leaving out skipper William Troost-Ekong from the starting lineup.
Youngster Benjamin Fredericks will line up alongside Calvin Bassey in the heart of defence, with Ola Aina and Bruno Onyemaechi taking up the full-back positions.
In midfield, Wilfred Ndidi is set to wear the armband and anchor the team, working alongside Frank Onyeka and Alex Iwobi. Up front, Napoli striker Victor Osimhen will spearhead the attack, flanked by Moses Simon and Ademola Lookman on the wings. The clash started at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo by 5:00 pm Nigerian time.
Nigeria coach Eric Chelle has heaped praise on Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman, calling him the best player in Africa as the team prepares for their crucial World Cup qualifier against Rwanda in Uyo. Chelle defended his decision to bring Lookman into the squad despite his lack of recent game time, stressing that the Atalanta star’s quality and influence cannot be overlooked.
“Talking about Lookman, honestly, how do you make a squad list without the best player in Africa?” Chelle told reporters at his pre-match briefing. “It’s my responsibility to decide how much he can play, whether it’s five minutes or sixty. But leaving him out isn’t an option. I have full confidence in him.”
Lookman, who was crowned African Footballer of the Year and came close to a move to Inter Milan during the summer, has not featured for club or country since May 25. He had been working on his own fitness before linking up with the Super Eagles in camp. Nigeria will be counting on his spark and experience as they face Rwanda in a match that could decide their World Cup hopes.
