Mudryk needs 'a coach who gives him confidence' as Pochettino questioned
Cameron Smith
- 21 Nov 2023 07:43 CST
- 3 min read
Shakhtar Donetsk fitness coach Carlo Nicolini has blamed Chelsea for Mykhailo Mudryk’s recent struggles and has urged the Ukraine international to “find the right environment and a coach who gives him confidence.”
Mudryk, 22, left Shakhtar to join the Blues for an initial €70 million in January and he has largely failed to justify that price tag so far.
The speedy winger has scored two goals and provided two assists in 28 appearances for Chelsea, while he has started just 11 Premier League matches despite being fit for a total of 29 league games since he arrived at Stamford Bridge.
Mudryk has shown glimpses of promise this season and a run of consistent starts would do him a world of good, but it remains to be seen if he will be given that chance by Mauricio Pochettino.
Raheem Sterling and Cole Palmer appear to be Chelsea’s first-choice wing pairing right now, while Christopher Nkunku’s return to fitness could complicate things even further for Mudryk.
The 22-year-old, who endured a tricky time of it as Ukraine drew 0-0 against Italy on Monday night, has shown signs that his Chelsea career certainly has the chance of catching alight, but Nicolini doesn’t think Mudryk is in the right environment to thrive.
What has been said?
“Mudryk needed to take one more step there [Shakhtar], then the war happened. He went to Chelsea which, however, is not a team, in these contexts, even the individual struggles,” Nicolini told TV Play, via Football365.
“In the national team you can see the real Mudryk, he can do even more. He must find the right environment and a coach who gives him confidence. He has everything to rock, I hope he can show it because he is really strong.”
Whether or not Nicolini meant his comments as a dig at Pochettino is unknown, but it certainly raises questions regarding his treatment of Mudryk at Stamford Bridge.
Mudryk’s current contract at Chelsea runs until 2031, meaning the Ukrainian is unlikely to leave Stamford Bridge anytime soon, unless a huge offer is lodged, something that seems unlikely as things stand.
