Noni Madueke says Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has been “tough” with him during the opening few weeks of the Argentine’s tenure.
After yet more big changes at Stamford Bridge, it has proven a mixed bag for the former Tottenham manager thus far.
While there have been promising signs, losing to both West Ham and Nottingham Forest in the opening four games of the season have ramped up the pressure.
Madueke helped the England U21s win Euro 2023 in July but struggled with injury during pre-season.
Back up to something approaching full fitness, the former PSV Eindhoven forward was given a 28-minute cameo in the loss to Forest as he looks to press his case for a staring berth.
Speaking about getting to grips with life under the Blues boss: “He’s tough with me, but I probably need that.
‘He’s transparent as well which is really important, to know where you stand and what he expects from you. He knows when to be really tough with me and when to put an arm around me. I can’t fault him.
‘He’s a really good man manager. He’s created a culture where we are brothers off the pitch. It helps we have a young squad so we are with each other a lot anyway. We are lucky to have him.”
