Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has sent a message to Noni Madueke (Image: Getty)

Mauricio Pochettino says Chelsea star Noni Madueke took “six months” to figure out what the Argentina head coach expected from him this season.

The Blues signed Madueke from PSV less than a year ago, paying around £30 million for the 21-year-old and giving him a seven-and-a-half-year contract.

Madueke, who can play as a winger or an attacking midfielder, has scored just four goals and provided no assists in 23 appearances for the Blues.

Pochettino, who took over as head coach this summer, said on Saturday ahead of Chelsea’s FA Cup third round tie against Preston: “I’m so happy that it took him almost six months to realize what we expect from him.”

“The players have to improve and he is making great progress.” His behavior now and how he has committed to himself and the rest of the club’s ideas first and foremost.

“He has the potential and talent to do things and behave in the future if he wants to be successful.

“This is the platform for everyone and then it’s a matter of being clear in your head and being consistent in the way we imagine their behavior.”

Noni Madueke joined Chelsea from PSV less than a year ago (Photo: Getty)

Meanwhile, Pochettino has refused to guarantee that Conor Gallagher will remain a Chelsea player after the January transfer window closes.

In other Chelsea transfer news, Sevilla are looking to sign David Datro Fofana, who is currently having a loan nightmare at Union Berlin.

Chelsea star Trevoh Chalobah could also leave in January despite Bayern Munich withdrawing their interest, according to reports.