Chelsea’s new manager Enzo Maresca has acknowledged the inconsistency of Mykhailo Mudryk, highlighting the winger’s need to improve his decision-making in the final third. Mudryk, who joined Chelsea from Shakhtar Donetsk for a hefty fee last year, has yet to fully justify his price tag. However, Maresca remains optimistic about the 23-year-old’s potential.
Despite Mudryk’s struggles, Chelsea secured a 2-0 victory over Swiss side Servette in the first leg of their UEFA Conference League playoff on Thursday. Christopher Nkunku opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 50th minute, while substitute Noni Madueke doubled the lead with less than 15 minutes remaining.
“I think this is Mudryk, in terms of not only tonight, but in terms of since he joined the club. I think he had some good moments and then some moments like flipping a coin,” Maresca said after the match.
“You don’t know if it’s one thing or the other thing. If he can become more consistent, he can take one step forward. We are going to try and help him change.
“When he is in the last third it is about taking the right decision. For me, most of the mistakes from Misha is not about the quality or the technical mistake, it’s about the choice.”
Maresca is also looking to trim the Chelsea squad and has emphasized his desire to keep Madueke, who impressed as a substitute against Servette.
“I really like Noni,” Maresca said. “The only problem with him probably is that he has to understand he needs to be consistent during the week; every training, every training, every training.”
When asked if he wanted the 22-year-old to stay at the club, Maresca replied: “Absolutely.”
Chelsea will face Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League on Sunday, providing another opportunity for Mudryk and Madueke to showcase their talents.