Mauricio Pochettino claims Chelsea’s $109 million wunderkind Mykhaylo Mudryk lacks game-understanding, asks supporters to give him ‘time he needs’

Chelsea's woes continues as they fail to win against Bournemouth.

Mauricio Pochettino claims Chelsea’s $109 million wunderkind Mykhaylo Mudryk lacks game-understanding, asks supporters to give him ‘time he needs’

Mykhaylo Mudryk and Mauricio Pochettino (Source: Express Images UK)

Chelsea’s manager, Mauricio Pochettino, supports the Ukranian player, claiming he needs time to adapt to the team. Their $109m signing, Mykhaylo Mudryk, has again made the headlines for not finding his expected rhythm. Despite joining the English club from Shakhtar on a massive eight-and-a-half-year deal in January, he has struggled to impact the Premier League.

Mudryk was substituted in the 63rd minute against Bournemouth, in which the club registered a 0-0 draw. This was the first unscored draw of the current league season. Pochettino encouraged Mudryk’s improvement but emphasized that had to adapt to the pace and physicality of the English League. The player has yet to register a goal after 19 appearances.

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“Mudryk needs to understand the game better,” exclaimed the Argentine manager. He has struggled to improve upon the club’s performances massively but continues to give hope to the supporters. He believes the 22-year-old player has to develop a better connection with his teammates. He also needs some tools to help with his creative game.

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Finally, the Chelsea boss articulated his need to be more effective in front of the goal. He asked for patience from the fans while pointing out his challenges, including significant injuries. Many fans have booed the club after the disappointing set of results. Pochettino is not a stranger to English fans’ hostility in London as he knows the high standards they expect out of their team.

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Chelsea’s woes continue as they fail to win against Bournemouth

Chelsea debuted their new Eton blue kit in a match against Bournemouth, aiming to reverse their fortunes after a 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest. The game was played in challenging conditions due to heavy rain, making it difficult to maintain possession and build up plays. Mykhailo Mudryk started as the left-winger instead of Ben Chilwell.

Mudryk, Chilwell, Sterling in new Chelsea kit
(L-R) Mudryk, Chilwell, Sterling (Source: via @chelseafc)

However, Chelsea needed more to secure three points, and they came close with Raheem Sterling‘s superb free-kick that hit the crossbar early in the second half. As the match progressed, both teams struggled to create clear-cut scoring opportunities. The club have struggled and scored only five goals in the Premier League this season, the fewest after five games since 1995-96.


Chelsea’s numerous shots often lacked power and direction, allowing Bournemouth’s goalkeeper, Neto, to make easy saves. The match exposed the Blues’ stamina problems, with the young squad visibly fatiguing after 60 minutes. Although Mykhaylo Mudryk displayed promise, he still needs improvement for a regular starting spot. Chelsea aims to rebound in their next Premier League game against Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge.

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