Pochettino’s Candid Response To Leaving Out Chelsea Winger Noni Madueke

Mauricio Pochettino has left a blunt explanation behind leaving Chelsea winger Noni Madueke out of the side in their 1-0 Carabao Cup victory over Brighton in midweek.

Signed from PSV Eindhoven for a substantial €35million earlier this year, Madueke was expected to make a significant impact on the team. However, the 21-year-old winger has found himself with limited playing time and no regular spot in Pochettino’s Chelsea starting XI.

Madueke has played a mere 134 minutes across all competitions this season — a stark contrast to the anticipation that surrounded his arrival. To add to the mystery, he was left out of the squad for Chelsea’s recent 1-0 victory over Brighton.

Despite a recent muscle injury sidelining Madueke, Pochettino’s explanation for his omission was crystal clear. When questioned about the young winger’s absence, Pochettino responded bluntly, stating, “Madueke injured? No, he was just not selected. It’s about choice.”

🚨🔵 Mauricio Pochettino: “Madueke injured? No, he was just not selected”.

“It’s about choice”. pic.twitter.com/QCPAOXFDVK

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 27, 2023

Madueke’s preferred role is the right-wing position, where Pochettino has primarily deployed Raheem Sterling. However, for the Brighton clash the Argentine manager opted to play left-back Ian Maatsen on the right flank, while Mykhaylo Mudryk took the opposite wing.

This decision bore fruit as Ukraine international Mudryk provided the assist for Nicolas Jackson’s winning goal, securing a much-needed victory.

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Could Win Over Brighton Be A Turning Point For Chelsea?

The win against Brighton is a significant one for Chelsea, who are struggling to find form in the Premier League. While their Carabao Cup victory over AFC Wimbledon was expected, the triumph against an in-form Brighton side could indeed serve as a turning point for the team.

Pochettino himself expressed hope that this victory would mark a shift in Chelsea’s fortunes, emphasising.

He said: “It should be, it must be [a turning point]. It’s about time. Today there were many positive things. Today we saw the players fighting to give their best.”

Looking ahead, Chelsea’s next game is against Fulham on Monday night, where they will aim to build on their momentum and look to further ease the pressure on Pochettino. Soon after, they will face Blackburn Rovers in the last-16 of the Carabao Cup, with the hope of continuing a resurgence.

You can see the full Carabao Cup 4th Round draw here.

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