Noni Madueke reacts to Pochettino reunion after leaving Spurs over lack of games

The Argentine coach is set to be unveiled as the west London club’s new manager at the start of this week, having finally put pen to paper on a three-year contract.

Pochettino will be tasked with trimming a massively bloated squad, with the new owners having spent around £600million on new additions in the past 12 months.

One of those is youngster Madueke, who arrived in a £28.5million deal from PSV in January.

The 21-year-old actually worked under Pochettino at Tottenham, where he spent four years in the club’s academy, but left due to the absence of a pathway into the first team and lack of opportunities.

Madueke clearly does not feel that is an issue now, however, with the winger excited by the prospect of working under Pochettino.

Asked about the Argentine’s looming arrival at Stamford Bridge, Madueke said on Sunday: ‘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.’

Reflecting on what Chelsea need to do to turn around a disappointing campaign in which they only finished 12th, Madueke continued: ‘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.’

Speaking about his own first half-season at Chelsea, Madueke posted on social media: ‘Thank you Chelsea for making me feel at home from the very first minute.

‘Next season will be different. I’m certain. Success is non-negotiable and is what you guys deserve. Take care and see you guys at the Bridge soon.’

MORE : Roy Keane takes aim at ‘dreadful’ Wesley Fofana and names ‘problem’ position for Chelsea

MORE : Frank Lampard fires warning to Mauricio Pochettino as he claims ‘standards have dropped’ at Chelsea

For more stories like this, check our sport page.