Enzo Maresca doesn’t believe Mykhailo Mudryk’s struggles are down to a lack of confidence and said he’s happy with the way the winger is working.
Mudryk has struggled for consistency since arriving at Stamford Bridge for an initial £62.5m from Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk in January 2023.
After an exciting debut against Liverpool Mudryk didn’t register a goal contribution in his first six months at the club and although he improved last season under Mauricio Pochettino, Chelsea have yet to see him reach his potential.
Maresca shares his thoughts on Mudryk
Chelsea strengthened in the attacking areas this summer with the additions of Joao Felix, Pedro Neto and Jadon Sancho, meaning competition for places is fierce.
Maresca was asked in his pre-match press conference why Mudryk wasn’t starting many games and what the reason for that was.
“I think Misha played from the start against Wolves in the Premier League, we gave him some games,” he told reporters.
“They all want to play from the start but sometimes it is not possible. Against Barrow, Misha did very well. I think when he was inside, he was okay.
“Hopefully he can do a good game tomorrow. We can say exactly the same for Nkunku. The club signed him as a big player and at the moment, he is not playing in the Premier League. But things change quickly in football.
“Right now, the situation is this but it doesn’t mean it will be the same for all of the season.”
The Italian also added that he doesn’t believe Mudryk lacks in confidence but there are areas he needs to improve in.
“I don’t think with Misha it is a lack of confidence. It’s Misha and he needs to improve something, like the rest, but we are happy with the way he is working.”
Mudryk has played just 80 minutes in the league so far this season, but has started every game in the cup competitions and will likely get another opportunity to impress against Gent in the Conference League on Thursday night.