“Hope is tomorrow’s cure for today’s disappointment”. Borrowed from the American comedian Evan Esar, these words resonate powerfully when discussing the trajectory of Mykhaïlo Mudryk. Arriving in London during the 2023 winter transfer window, the Ukrainian international (26 caps, 3 goals) – recruited for 70 million euros by the Blues – has still not found his cruising speed in the London jersey. Far from it. After a first half-season punctuated by 2 assists in 17 matches, the native of Krasnograd continued with a generally disappointing 2023-2024 financial year. Despite 7 goals and 2 new caviars in 41 matches in all competitions, the Shakhtar Donetsk-trained player has never completely convinced Mauricio Pochettino. For proof? The main concerned only started 18 Premier League matches last season. So obviously, the arrival of Enzo Maresca on the Chelsea bench last July could suggest a new start for the talented number 10.
Issue ? Since the restart, Mykhaïlo Mudryk has only played 81 minutes in the league and can only boast one start against Wolverhampton on the second day. A short playing time during which the person concerned did not really shine. Barred by competition – notably that of Jadon Sancho – the 1m75 right-hander however takes advantage of the European scene to distinguish himself. Already performing well against Servette FC in the Europa Conference League play-offs, the 23-year-old winger continues to shine in this competition. A decisive passer against La Gantoise (4-2) on the first day, the number 10 of the Blues was one of the great architects of Chelsea’s new success on Thursday evening on the pitch at Panathinaïkós. With two offerings addressed to João Félix and a goal scored after returning from the locker room, the Ukrainian greatly participated in the large victory (4-1) for Chelsea, leader of the standings after two matches.
Maresca highlights Mudryk’s progress
Just technically, inspired by the ball and hitting on the edge of the opposing area, Mudryk – under contract until June 2031 with Chelsea – reminded us that he could be this different player. The one who notably made an impression in the Shakhtar Donetsk jersey during the group stage of the Champions League version 2022-2023 (3 goals and 2 assists). Asked about his protégé, Enzo Maresca did not fail to praise his performance. “I am very happy, but not for me, for him. I am sure that little by little we will reach a point where Mykhailo Mudryk will score more goals and be more important for us. As a staff we spend a lot of time helping the players, not just Misha but the whole team, and since we started we work with all the wingers to get inside the box and in the position where Misha scored. At the beginning, he had difficulty but he is starting to get there to score goals. It’s the same for Jadon (Sancho), Noni (Madueke), Pedro (Neto), all the wingers, they need to be in this area because the ball is going to arrive there.noted the Italian at a press conference.
Words echoing those made by Serhiy Palkin, long-time general manager of Shakhtar. Asked about the performances of his former player on the London side, the Ukrainian leader did not hesitate to accuse Chelsea of not understanding how to get the best out of Mudryk. “You don’t need a Ferrari if you don’t know how to drive it. A normal car will do. If you buy a Ferrari, you need to think about how to handle it. This is my opinion on Mudryk at Chelsea. I’m sure he will show his qualities when he gets the chance. He knows how to make a difference, which is also evident in his appearances for the Ukrainian national team. There are very few players in this category.Palkin confided in an interview with Goal. Not necessarily helped by the chronic instability of the Blues in recent months – like the many coaches who have been on the London bench (Graham Potter, Bruno Saltor, Frank Lampard, Mauricio Pochettino, etc.) – Mykhaïlo Mudryk now hopes to surf on his good performances in the Europa Conference League to finally launch their adventure at Stamford Bridge.
