Maresca makes jaw-dropping Mudryk admission

Tom Weber

Updated: 24 Sept 2024 11:30 BST
3 min read

Enzo Maresca appears to be coming to the conclusion that Mykhailo Mudryk may be a lost cause at Chelsea, judging by his latest comments.

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The winger has been nothing short of a major disappointment since arriving for €70 million at Stamford Bridge in January 2023. Mudryk has failed to perform with any kind of consistency and his return of seven goals and five assists in 62 games is far from impressive.

Despite this, Chelsea decided to keep the faith in him ahead of the new season. In January, there was interest in a loan move for the 23-year-old, but the Blues decided to retain the attacker and he also remained at the club over the summer.

When coach Enzo Maresca came on board, it initially looked as though Mudryk would play a prominent role in his plans, but it quickly became apparent that he may simply not be good enough.

According to Maresca's latest comments, he seems to drawing exactly that conclusion.

Maresca tells Mudryk to do better

On Monday, reports surfaced claiming that Mudryk will be given a final chance to salvage his Chelsea career when they take on League Two side Barrow in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday.

Early on Monday, Maresca said of Mudryk: "It's important for him, but it's important for all of them. They train very good, but unfortunately I can't give them a chance [in the Premier League]...Misha, Benoit [Badiashile], like all the players who aren't getting many chances, tomorrow is a good chance to get some minutes."

However, later that day, fresh quotes surfaced in which Maresca struck a less enthusiastic tone. “I don’t think it’s a lack of confidence," he claimed when asked whether he can unlock Mudryk. "Misha is Misha, you have to accept the way he is. Hopefully, he can get minutes and do better.”

If Maresca has already 'accepted the way he is,' then it is evident that Mudryk's Chelsea career is over. If he can only get on the pitch against fourth-tier teams, the Ukraine international will struggle to be of any particular use to a Blues side gunning to get back into the Premier League's top four.