Maresca Shuts Down Madueke Exit Rumors: “He’s Staying at Chelsea”
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has dismissed speculation linking winger Noni Madueke with a summer exit, insisting the 22-year-old remains a key part of the club’s plans.
Recent reports, including those from The Telegraph, suggested Madueke had attracted interest from several Premier League rivals, with Arsenal among the clubs monitoring his situation. However, Maresca made his stance clear during Thursday’s press conference.
“Noni is our player,” Maresca stated firmly. “There’s always plenty of speculation at this stage of the window, but as far as we’re concerned, he’s staying. We’re counting on him for next season.“
Madueke, under contract at Stamford Bridge until 2030, enjoyed a breakthrough campaign last season, showcasing his flair and direct attacking style. While external rumors persist, Chelsea’s stance appears definitive—the young winger isn’t going anywhere.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has confirmed the club’s intention to sign a new winger in the upcoming transfer window, regardless of the potential suspension facing Mykhailo Mudryk following his recent FA charge for alleged anti-doping violations.
Maresca acknowledged Mudryk’s lengthy absence last season, which forced the Blues to explore alternative options, including giving academy prospect Tyrique George opportunities. However, he emphasized that pursuing a wide player is not solely a reaction to Mudryk’s situation.
“We already had almost an entire season without Misha (Mudryk), and we had to find solutions—sometimes using academy players like Tyrique,” Maresca explained. “But our plan to bring in a winger isn’t because of Misha’s current issue. We have Noni Madueke and Pedro Neto as natural wingers, but we’ve also had to adapt by using players like Tyrique in different roles at times.”
The Italian coach made it clear that reinforcing the flanks remains a priority for Chelsea, stating: “It’s obvious that this is a position we need to strengthen.” With competition and depth in mind, the Blues appear set to add another attacking wide player to their squad ahead of the new campaign.
“I haven’t spoken to Mudryk since the FA charge was announced,” Maresca revealed. The manager confirmed there has been no communication between them following the disciplinary action.
Enzo Maresca Addresses Mykhailo Mudryk’s FA Charge Situation
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has revealed that he hasn’t spoken to Mykhailo Mudryk since the winger was charged by the FA for alleged anti-doping violations.
Maresca last saw Mudryk during the Conference League final in Poland, where the Ukrainian appeared to be in good spirits. “The last time I spoke with Misha was in Poland, and he seemed fine—not worried or upset at all,” the manager said. “Since then, we haven’t been in contact, so I’m not sure how he’s doing now. But we’ll definitely reach out to him in the coming days or weeks.”
Despite the possibility of Mudryk facing a lengthy four-year ban, Maresca insists he will continue to support the player as long as he remains at Chelsea. “Misha is part of our squad, and I trust all our players until they’re no longer with us. It’s not just about him—it’s the same approach for everyone,” he added.
When asked if he wanted more clarity from the FA regarding Mudryk’s potential suspension, Maresca remained unfazed, stating, “Honestly, it’s not something I’m focusing on right now.”
MARESCA PLANS SQUAD ROTATION FOR FLAMENGO CLASH
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has confirmed he will make changes to his lineup for the Blues’ next Club World Cup match against Flamengo.
After starting their Group D campaign with a 2-0 victory over LAFC, Chelsea will take on the Brazilian side in hot conditions, with temperatures expected to hit 28°C during the 2pm local time kickoff.
Maresca confirmed there are no fresh injury concerns but stressed the need to manage his squad carefully. “With matches coming every three days in this tournament, rotation is necessary,” he explained.
“I’m not talking about making 10 or 11 changes every game, but we’ll definitely rotate three, four, or five players each time. It’s impossible to use the same players every three days.”
He also mentioned managing minutes for key players like Romeo Lavia and Reece James, who have been gradually reintegrated, as well as giving opportunities to others like Moisés Caicedo and Dario Essugo.
“We’ve been managing certain players from the start, and we’ll keep doing that,” Maresca added.
Maresca Praises Caicedo’s Versatility – But Draws the Line at Goalkeeper!
Enzo Maresca has hailed Moises Caicedo as one of the world’s top defensive midfielders—but joked that there’s at least one position the Ecuadorian can’t play: goalkeeper!
The Chelsea boss highlighted Caicedo’s incredible adaptability, revealing that the 22-year-old has already filled multiple roles this season. “He’s excellent everywhere—except maybe in goal!” Maresca said with a laugh. “This season alone, he’s played as a full-back, a defensive midfielder, and even in attacking midfield at times.”
While Maresca acknowledged Caicedo’s ability to contribute in advanced positions, he emphasized the importance of squad balance. “If Moi is playing as an attacking midfielder, it means Enzo [Fernández] or Cole [Palmer] isn’t. It’s about finding the right structure,” he explained.
Above all, the manager made it clear where he values Caicedo most: “We’re thrilled with him as our defensive midfielder. Right now, he’s among the best—if not the best—in the world in that role.”