Mikhailo Mudryk has struggled badly since his £88million transfer to Chelsea in January (Picture: Getty)
Chelsea have warned Mykhailo Mudryk to lay off the weights and cut back on extra gym sessions in a bid to help kickstart his Premier League career.
The 22-year-old arrived at Stamford Bridge in January amid a blaze of triumphalism after Chelsea hijacked Arsenal’s move for the Ukraine international after agreeing to pay a stunning £88million fee.
After an encouraging debut against Liverpool, Mudryk struggled to win the faith of Graham Potter and his interim replacement Frank Lampard, ending last season without a goal and only one assist to his name.
Mudryk faces increased competition for a first team starting place in Mauricio Pochettino’s first team set-up this term following another astonishing recruitment drive over the course of the summer window.
Pochettino is yet to hand Mudryk a starting opportunity this season but the winger’s attitude and determination to win over the club’s new manager is said to remain intact.
Chelsea’s Ukrainian midfielder #10 Mykhailo Mudryk reacts to their defeat on the pitch after the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Nottingham Forest at Stamford Bridge in London on September 2, 2023. Forest won the game 1-0. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. /(Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Indeed, according to the Athletic, Chelsea have grown concerned that Mudryk has been ‘overdoing’ it and has spent to much time in the gym in an attempt to bulk up and cope with the physical demands of the Premier League.
‘He needs to feel comfortable, feel really strong in his body,’ said Pochettino speaking about Mudryk’s difficulties ahead of last weekend’s defeat against Nottingham Forest.
‘He suffered from the beginning. We are focused on trying to help him be really strong and healthy.
‘No one can perform if you don’t feel strong in your body. We are working in all of the areas he needs to feel good.
‘I hope in the next weeks he starts to find his form.’
MORE : Chelsea made £23m bid for winger wanted by 20 different clubs
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