Thefamous Ukrainian coach Yuriy Virt told us what he thinks about the problems of the Ukrainian midfielder of Chelsea, Mykhailo Mudryk.
Yuriy Wirth- Out of 11 matches in 2024, Mykhailo came on as a substitute in seven. Sometimes he didn't get any playing time at all. Why did Mudryk have a long period of bad luck? What was the reason for this decline?
- It's hard to judge because you need to be inside. Pochettino can tell you more about why. Why didn't the coach count on Mykhailo? After all, he had some good games, and then we see that he is not in the squad at all. We hear the head coach say that football is a team game, not an individual one. There were claims that Mudryk was really pulling the blanket over himself and exaggerating somewhere in this. We must have had a conversation, and not just one, about his need to correct these shortcomings.
Mykhailo's problems are more mental and psychological than playing ones, because the player was bought for a lot of money, he plays on and off, and there is a lot of criticism that puts pressure on the player. This prevents him from revealing the talent he has. Also, perhaps, there is a distrust on Pochettino's part.
After the cup game, I think the head coach will trust him more. On Leeds. Mudryk tried himself in a new position and scored. I think his capabilities can still be developed.
- Okay, Mudryk as a winger may not suit Pochettino in every way. We tried a new position: Misha played as an attacking midfielder against Leeds and scored. Can this become a regular practice or an option for Mudryk?
- Yes, indeed. We can expect Mudryk to play in a new position where he can prove himself better. Mikhail is a versatile footballer and he looked good with Leeds.
- Can Mykhailo play in a position other than winger?
- You have to ask those who have worked with him. I only see him on TV and I can't judge where he will be most useful to the team.
- Do you believe the rumours that Pochettino has "closed" the issue with Mudryk and no longer believes in him?
- No, I don't think it's true. If he really had, we would not have seen him in the starting line-up. He really counts on him, and Mudryk continues to grow and progress. The first year in England is really hard, Misha spent 2023 adapting. Now he will slowly progress. We also understand that the Premier League and the UPL are completely different things. A lot will depend on Mikhail, and if he plays well, he will become the main man at Chelsea.
- The fact that Pochettino does not have much faith in Mudryk is evidenced by the fact that Mikhail missed a number of matches in the Premier League. Why wasn't he loaned out in the winter?
- If they didn't loan him out, they believe in him. Mudryk was bought for a lot of money and they are waiting for a bright game, goals and assists. But it's difficult for a young footballer who hasn't played much at the highest level - and then the Premier League. Mikhail will grow and play, but a lot will depend on him.
- The Leeds goal was at the end of February. And in March, Mudryk made only one substitute appearance in the Premier League. Will the spring part of the season and these modest successes be a significant breakthrough for him, or will Mykhailo not rise above the Chelsea rotation?
- Let's believe that he will improve and score with every game. I can't say that after a goal he will become a first-choice player. It takes more than one goal and more than one match at a high level. Therefore, if he continues to play like he did in the first half against Leeds, he can expect more time on the pitch and a place in the starting line-up. This goal will give him a boost, more confidence and he can count on getting into the squad.
- We have already discussed Mudryk's long-term prospects at Chelsea and the Premier League. What does what we have seen in 2024 tell us about his future?
- Mudryk is working hard on himself, he has a great future, but a lot will depend on him and the team's performance. There is trust and he will want to prove to himself that he is a good footballer and can play at the level of the Premier League. His goal is to become a starter at Chelsea, and only through work and patience, through overcoming difficulties, will Mikhail be able to become the player the fans expect.
Yevhen Chepur
