Chelsea forward Mykhailo Mudryk has revealed he revels in the pressure that comes with signing for the Blues for a hefty price tag
Mykhailo Mudryk got his first assist against Leicester City (Image: 2023 Visionhaus)
Mykhailo Mudryk has so far failed to reach the heights his £88million January price tag promised. The winger is yet to build up any momentum at Stamford Bridge, and failed to register a single minute in three of Chelsea’s last four games before the international break, a spell which brought about three wins and one draw for Graham Potter’s side.
However, the Ukraine international began to show signs of promise in the one game he did play during that period, as he played a key role in the Blues’ 3-1 win at Leicester City. Mudryk was the subject of a titanic transfer saga in January, as Arsenal’s pursuit of the 22-year-old was ultimately beaten by Todd Boehly’s staggering transfer kitty to bring him to west London instead.
Mudryk has now spoken of the pressures that came with signing for Chelsea, particularly during a difficult time on the pitch for the club. When asked about whether he had a tough start to life at Chelsea, Mudryk told Sky Sports: “I can say yes, it’s a lot of pressure, but it’s not for the first time.
“I like this pressure because one day that guy who said I’m a loser, one day he will say I’m a winner. Time will tell.”
After a lean start to Chelsea life, the Ukrainian grabbed his first goal contribution with an assist for Mateo Kovacic in the victory against Leicester. It was a much-needed return for a player that has plenty of potential, but who still has to win some over while he is given time to grow.
On the importance of his promising outing against the Foxes, he added: “Yeah, first assist, but first goal will come soon.” Mudryk has predominantly played as a winger during his relatively brief time at Chelsea, but was utilised as a centre-forward at the King Power Stadium.
Asked whether he would like to play more games as a striker rather than out on the wing, he replied: “It’s a good position. It’s easier when the ball comes to you by floor but it’s heavier when you receive the ball in the air. But it depends what kind of game we got here, for some games maybe it’s better for me to play nine, for some games it will be better for me, and for the team, to play on the side.”
This month, Mudryk has reunited with his compatriots for the start of their 2024 European Championship qualifying campaign. Ruslan Rotan’s side visited Wembley Stadium on Sunday to face England in a 2-0 win for the Three Lions.
The international break also produced a meeting between Zinchenko and Mudryk for the first time since Arsenal missed out on signing the forward. In the same interview, Mudryk insisted there are no hard feelings with the Gunners left-back, admitting there was some teasing from Zinchenko.
“He helped me a lot. I like him so much. We often joke about Arsenal, Chelsea and what colour is London,” he said. “But I like this guy, he’s very funny, very kind guy. We spend some time with him and always in positive vibes.”
Asked what colour London is, Mudryk replied: “Blue.”
Source: football.london
