Mykhailo Mudryk is struggling to make any kind of impact at Chelsea (Picture: Getty Images)
Mauricio Pochettino has sent a message to Mykhailo Mudryk, saying he needs to improve and must learn to play for the team if he is to play regularly for Chelsea.
The 23-year-old joined the Blues in January 2023 but has really struggled to make much of an impact in the year since then.
The Ukraine international cost an enormous £88.5m so came with a lot of expectation but has scored just four goals in 41 appearances.
Mudryk is struggling to convince Pochettino that he deserves a place in the starting XI, making just nine Premier League starts this season, and the Chelsea boss admits the winger has a lot of work to do.
‘He started the game against Middlesbrough in the semi-final, which is one of the most important games for us,’ Pochettino said of Mudryk appearing in the Carabao Cup.
‘Yes, now he is on the bench. Look, it’s about the form during the season – if you keep your form and you are the best during every training session.
‘As coaching staff, we are a meritocracy – we are going to play with the players who are going to do their best on the pitch.
Mauricio Pochettino’s team take on Wolves on Sunday (Picture: Getty Images)
‘I think he’s a young guy that arrived here one year ago. We know the circumstances around [the transfer]. Of course, he needs to improve. He has amazing quality and potential, but it’s a [team] game, it’s not tennis.
‘We have players that need to perform in a group. If you see him, it’s amazing, but after, you need to adapt and play for the team – he needs to adapt, and all of that needs time.’
Chelsea host Wolves on Sunday afternoon in the Premier League as they look to improve on their current 10th place in the top flight.
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