Pochettino sends strong message to Mykhailo Mudryk after Chelsea’s draw vs Arsenal
Chelsea’s head coach, Mauricio Pochettino, made it clear to Mykhailo Mudryk in an emphatic and no-nonsense message that the young Ukrainian midfielder must improve his performance. Despite scoring a goal in Chelsea’s recent 2-2 draw with Arsenal at Stamford Bridge, Mudryk was substituted after 66 minutes by Nicolas Jackson.
Mudryk, a prominent £88.5 million January signing, may have made an impression with his goal, but Pochettino’s expectations are clearly higher. When questioned if the substitution was due to the player’s stamina dwindling, Pochettino replied firmly, “No.”
I think he played well but he also needs to improve. For me, he is still not at his best.
‘I think we needed to make a change to add a little bit more pressure with Jackson in front.
‘In that situation, we created a few chances and the game was closer to 3-0 than 2-1.’
I think we lost two points,’ the Argentine head coach stated. ‘We are disappointed but you can not change the analysis and the judgement of the game.
‘We were very competitive against a very good team fighting for the Premier League last season.
‘We are a young team and I think the way we competed is a lot to be proud but we’re disappointed because after 77 minutes when we conceded the first goal I think we were better.
‘The game was under control and we were playing well and dominating the game. But when you concede there is a risk.
Meanwhile, Pochettino had more appreciation for Cole Palmer, praising his overall performance in the 2-2 tie between Chelsea and Arsenal.
‘Cole Palmer is an unbelievable player. He is so young but is so open to learn. He showed his personality is strong.’
The remarks from the head coach underscore his desire for Mudryk to step up and fulfill his full potential. This public message of expectation underlines the challenges of playing for a top-tier team like Chelsea.
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