ENZO MARESCA has warned the entire Chelsea squad they must up their game after Noni Madueke was dropped.
Madueke, as well as summer signing Renato Veiga, was axed from the squad for the Boxing Day defeat to Fulham.
Maresca revealed neither were injured with both being left out due to a “technical decision”. The Blues boss has criticised Madueke’s training level twice already this season.
While the former Leicester manager considers both Madueke and Veiga available to face Ipswich on Monday, he warned that everyone must raise their level.
Maresca said: “Sometimes we just take a decision and it’s no more than that.
“Is he in contention for Ipswich? Yeah, for sure.
“The competition has to be higher but not only for Noni Madueke but also Renato Veiga was not in the squad and the reason is exactly the same for both of them.
“There is not any different reason, it’s just a technical decision.”
Former manager Mauricio Pochettino took aim at Madueke for his professionalism last season. The Argentine criticised the 22-year-old for going out partying while injured and also for his late season spat over who would take a penalty against Everton.
Maresca has made it clear he has to improve too.
In August, after a Europa Conference League goal against Servette, the England winger was reminded he must be more consistent in training.
And following a goal and an assist at Southampton this month Maresca suggested the former PSV Eindhoven man becomes too complacent.
Maresca has made it clear he will call out stars when their level is not high enough, adding that Madueke has responded well in the past.
He said: “Very good, fantastic and he responded very good at that time so there is no more than that.
“I expect the same this time, yeah absolutely.”
Madueke has featured in 16 of the previous 17 Premier League games, with five goals and three assists – though he has not scored since that win over Southampton.
His short term future at Stamford Bridge looks secure given Mykhailo Mudryk’s doping suspension.
However, a sale has been considered in the past – with Newcastle interested in the summer.
Should Maresca remain frustrated with his attitude, a move away cannot be ruled out at the end of the season.
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