Mudryk getting there ‘slowly’ says Maresca after Conference League win

Enzo Maresca admits the “learning process” for Mykhailo Mudryk has been slower compared with some of his Chelsea teammates.

The winger notched his first goal of the season in his side’s comfortable 4-1 Conference League win over Panathinaikos in Athens.

The Ukrainian, who cost Chelsea £89m, has been largely underwhelming since moving to Stamford Bridge nearly two years ago and has divided opinion among supporters.

“We’ve wanted the best for Misha since day one and we are trying to help him,” Maresa spoke post match.

“Probably with him he’s one of the guys that the learning process is more slow compared to the rest.

“He is improving and I’m sure that slowly, slowly we are going to arrive to allow Misha to score more goals to be more important for us.”

Mudryk has netted just eight times since signing from Shakhtar Donetsk but showed glimpses of what he is capable of as Chelsea ruthlessly dispatched of their Greek opponents.

The winger stooped low to nod home Chelsea’s second as the Blues surged clear with three goals in 15 second-half minutes.

“We as a staff we really spend a long time to help the players, not only Misha, to help the whole squad,” Maresca continued.

“Since we started, we are working with Misha and with all of the wingers to make sure they arrive inside the box in the position where Misha scored.

“He struggled to arrive there now he is starting to do it – that’s where we are going to score goals.

“It’s for him, it’s for Jadon, it’s for Noni, for Pedro, for all the wingers that they need to be in position because the ball is going to arrive in that position.”