Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has clarified the absence of both Noni Madueke and Renato Veiga from the recent squad selection. According to Maresca, the decision to leave out the two players was based on the same reasoning for each.
Increased Competition
Maresca emphasised the need for heightened competition within the team, stating, “For sure, the competition has to be higher. That’s what I want.” This statement suggests that the manager is looking to foster a more competitive environment within the squad, potentially leading to more strategic selections in future matches.
Recent Context
The omission of Madueke was previously highlighted, as reported on 26 December, when it was noted that the player was not included in the squad. This decision comes amidst Maresca’s ongoing efforts to refine the team’s performance following a recent defeat, as well as his focus on the development and adaptation of other players like Cole Palmer and Enzo Fernández.