Maresca fires warning to Madueke despite heroics against Southampton

Madueke was reinstated to the starting XI for the 5-1 victory against the Saints at St Mary’s on Wednesday after being kept out of the squad during their previous match against Aston Villa. The forward repaid the trust shown in him and ended the night with a goal and an assist to Christopher Nkunku.

Speaking candidly after the game, Maresca did not hold back in addressing the 21-year-old's performance and training habits.

"With Noni, I have a personal relationship, in terms of he can do much more," he told reporters. "In the moment that he starts to score or assist and is happy, he starts to drop a little bit."

Maresca revealed that Madueke’s lack of effort in training was the reason for his omission from the squad against Aston Villa.

"He has to understand that he has to train every day well, he has to be ambitious."