Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca said he was "not happy" with Mykhailo Mudryk as he explained why the winger was substituted at half-time against Wolves.
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Mudryk had shocking 45-minute displayMaresca took him off at half-timeBoss demands more from Ukrainian wingerWHAT HAPPENED?
After a disastrous first-half performance, Mudryk did not emerge for the second half as new signing Pedro Neto took his place. Maresca's decision paid off as Chelsea went on to win 6-2, with Noni Madueke scoring a hat-trick and Joao Felix getting a goal on his first game since returning to the club on a permanent basis.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE
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.
WHAT MARESCA SAID
"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."
Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR MUDRYK?
Mudryk, whose contract at Chelsea runs until 2031, will hope to be given a chance to make up for his woeful performance when the Blues meet Servette for the second leg of their qualifying tie on Thursday.
