Chelsea flop retains backing of Pochettino

Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino will be hoping to lift his first trophy in English football when the Blues face Liverpool in Sunday’s Carabao Cup final. 

The West London outfit face a difficult test at Wembley, with Premier League leaders Liverpool hot favourites to lift the trophy.

In 2022, the two sides faced each other in both domestic cup finals, with both games resulting in penalty shoot-out victories for the Merseysiders.

Ahead of the game at Wembley, it has emerged that one of Chelsea’s most expensive ever signings does still have the backing of Pochettino.

According to TEAMtalk, winger Mykhaylo Mudryk does still have the support of his manager despite recent reports suggesting otherwise.

It had been claimed in recent days that the Argentine was of the opinion that Mudryk, 23, ‘doesn’t have the footballing brain’ to fit into his tactical set up.

Despite this, the report claims that the Ukraine international does still have the backing of Pochettino, with those in charge of Chelsea still confident that he can one day become a world class player.

Mudryk has endured a difficult start to life at Chelsea

Mudryk cost Chelsea around £62 million when he joined from Shakhtar Donetsk last January, although that fee could eventually rise to £88 million.

After the Blues beat London rivals Arsenal to his signature, Mudryk arrived with huge expectations on his shoulders, but he has since been rather underwhelming.

In total the Ukrainian has made 42 appearances across all competitions, scoring four goals and registering five assists.

The report also suggests that the ongoing conflict in Mudryk’s native Ukraine has undoubtedly impacted Mudryk in recent months.

The winger is contracted to Chelsea until 2031, and those in charge of the club will be hoping that he can soon recreate the form he displayed at Shakhtar that prompted interest from both the Blues and the Gunners.