Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino recently shared his thoughts on midfielder Mykhailo Mudryk in anticipation of the upcoming clash with Arsenal. In an interview leading up to the highly anticipated London derby, Pochettino praised Mudryk's qualities, noting that the player is displaying intelligence and sensitivity, while gradually adapting to life at Stamford Bridge.
Pochettino offered insights into Mudryk's development, stating, "After three months, he is not a different player because we are not magic, but he’s a different person." This remark underscores the manager's belief that Mudryk is not only improving as a player but also undergoing personal growth during his time with Chelsea.
Mudryk's journey from Shakhtar Donetsk to Chelsea in January has presented challenges, particularly in adapting to the intensity of the Premier League. Pochettino acknowledges this transition period and emphasizes the need for patience, stating that Mudryk requires more time to better understand the nuances of the game.
Regarding Mudryk's character, Pochettino expressed, “We’re starting to see how lovely this guy is. Smart, sensitive… players can start to express their talent in football when they feel trust.” This demonstrates the importance of trust and rapport within the team for players to unleash their full potential.
However, Chelsea faces adversity as injuries have plagued the team leading up to the Arsenal match. Pochettino revealed that they had to conduct training sessions with just three senior players available. Despite these challenges, he remains optimistic, saying, "We have a lot of respect for Arsenal, but we are ready for the challenge." This determination reflects Chelsea's commitment to perform at their best in the upcoming fixture against their London rivals.