Maresca reveals why €70m Mudryk has flopped at Chelsea

Tom Weber

Updated: 23 Aug 2024 11:10 BST
3 min read

Enzo Maresca has admitted that Chelsea forward Mykhailo Mudryk 'needs help' with his decision-making.

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The Ukrainian winger has had a tough time of it since signing for Chelsea in a €70 million transfer that can reportedly rise to as high as €100m in January 2023. The Blues had managed to beat London rivals Arsenal to his signature, but so far, Mudryk has given the Gunners little reason to regret not signing him.

The 23-year-old has not had much of an impact to speak of at Stamford Bridge so far. In 59 outings for Chelsea, Mudryk has contributed with seven goals and four assists.

The Blues have been ruthless in the market, publically telling several players that they are not wanted at the club. Mudryk, however, is someone who has always enjoyed the protection of the Chelsea brass.

In January, the Blues rejected several offers for the attacker and they once again have no intention to offload him.

Maresca on Mudryk

Despite this, there is an acknowledgement at Stamford Bridge that Mudryk has to massively step up his game. Indeed, coach Enzo Maresca said as much after Chelsea limped to a dull 2-0 win over Servette in Conference League qualifying on Thursday, with Mudryk flattering to deceive once more.

"I think this is Misha, this is Mudryk, in terms of not only tonight, but in terms of since he joined the club," Maresca said. "I think he had some good moments and then some moments like flipping a coin. You don't know if it's one thing or the other thing. This is Misha. If he can become more consistent, he can take one step forward.

"We are going to try and help him change. He needs to try and understand that we are going to give him the ball in the last third. And when he's there, [it's about] taking the right decision. For me, most of the mistakes from Misha are not about the quality or the technical mistake, it's about the choice.

"Sometimes he has to play and he tries to do something different and we lose the ball. Sometimes he has to go one-v-one, it's about decision making. Hopefully, we can help him and improve that."