Graham Potter reveals why Mykhailo Mudryk has not been playing for Chelsea
According to Graham Potter, Mykhailo Mudryk is currently in a phase of adapting to his new environment at Chelsea, and despite the large amount of money spent on his transfer, the process will take however much time it requires.
Chelsea secured the signing of Mykhailo Mudryk for a transfer fee of £88m from Shakhtar Donetsk in January, following a lengthy pursuit from Arsenal.
Despite high expectations surrounding the Ukrainian winger, he has so far failed to make a significant impact, with only two Premier League starts and three substitute appearances to his name, and no goals or assists.
Graham Potter plans to include Mudryk in the team, possibly as early as this weekend’s game against Leicester, and attributes his slow start to the player needing time to adapt to a new country, league, and a period of inactivity prior to his signing.
“Every player wants to play and it’s important that players play to improve, I think that’s a fact,” Potter told a press conference.
“But at the same time, it’s not a straight road, it’s not just a play and everything happens in a linear way. Sometimes you have to take a step away.
“Sometimes you just need a bit of training time, you need a breather. Lots of factors. Hopefully, he can benefit from the time he’s had. It’s not easy for him to just arrive in the middle of pre-season for him and to come into a new country, new club, new league, and just hit his absolute maximum level.
“It’s regardless of the fee, I know people will look at the fee but it doesn’t change the situation he is in. So we’re positive about him. We’re positive about the future for him. But we need just to help them settle and help him understand what he needs to do to help us.”
Chelsea has faced numerous injury issues throughout the season, and their struggles persist as Raheem Sterling has recently suffered a hamstring problem prior to their upcoming match against Leicester on Saturday. This could potentially create an opportunity for Mykhailo Mudryk to play, an option that Graham Potter acknowledges.
“He certainly comes into the equation,’ said the manager. ‘He will be in the squad tomorrow and there is a chance he can play.”
Graham Potter reveals why Mykhailo Mudryk has not been playing for Chelsea
