“He almost ruined my tactics” “Not happy with him” – Enzo Maresca told Chelsea star to do more or sit on bench after 6-2 win over Wolves
Mykhailo Mudryk was substituted at halftime against Wolves, and Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca expressed his displeasure with the decision, saying he was “not happy”.
Pedro Neto, a recent addition, replaced Mudryk in the second half following his poor first-half display. Maresca’s choice proved wise as Chelsea triumphed 6-2, with goals from Joao Felix in his first matchback since rejoining the team permanently and a hat-trick from Noni Madueke.
Mudryk, an £89 million ($109m) signing from Shakhtar in January 2023, managed just 13 touches, completed five of his eight passes, and failed to have a shot or create a chance in his 45-minute display. It is the second terrible display in a row from the 23-year-old as he struggled in the Conference League qualifying match against Servette on Thursday, and Maresca’s patience may be wearing thin after Sunday’s game.
“Because I was not happy,” Maresca said at a press conference when asked why the Ukrainian was hooked at the break.
“In some moments we can manage some situations better. He was working hard off the ball but on the ball, I expect a bit more quality from Misha. He had some good moments today but the reason why was to change it and give Pedro some minutes.”
With Chelsea through to 2031, Mudryk will be hoping for another opportunity to redeem himself after his appalling showing on Thursday when the Blues play Servette in the second leg of their qualifying match.