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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Nizaar Kinsella

Noni Madueke spells out what must improve under new Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino

Noni Madueke has called on Chelsea to “get back to basics” and show “cohesion” for Mauricio Pochettino.

The 51-year-old is set to be announced as the club’s new manager after signing a three-year contract on Sunday morning.

Madueke, meanwhile, has performed well for interim manager Frank Lampard in recent weeks and was bright during the 1-1 draw at home to Newcastle to bookend a testing season.

Speaking after the match, the England Under-21 international admitted that he is excited for Pochettino’s imminent arrival.

Madueke said: “I think he is a good manager. He has been in big places around the world and he was a great success in the Premier League.

“I am looking forward to working with and learning from him.”

Former Tottenham and Paris Saint-Germain manager Pochettino will have his work cut out trying to revive a team that finished 12th this season with their worst points total in the Premier League era.

Lampard, who now departs west London, has complained about a lack of effort, fitness and motivation in the final weeks of the season.

Madueke has called on the squad to do more to ensure the hiring and firing of manager this season ends, adding: “[It’s] just cohesion and pulling in the right direction. I think next season we need to go back to basics.

“The new manager needs to come in and everyone needs to get behind him in training for him and Chelsea to be successful and there’s no reason why we can’t be with the talent in his squad.”

Madueke will be part of any rebuild at Stamford Bridge having arrived from PSV in January.

He remains positive about his prospects in west London, saying: “It has not been great as a collective but there has been good moments individually and learning points — and that’s what you want.

“It was my first season in the Premier League and I have a lot to learn and a lot to take with me into the next one. Overall, I am positive.”

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