Mauricio Pochettino’s Stance On Mudryk And Sterling Amid Chelsea Woes Revealed

The incoming Chelsea manager, Mauricio Pochettino is faced with a crucial decision as he plans for the future of the club.

The choice between Mykhaylo Mudryk and Raheem Sterling looms large as Pochettino sets out his long-term project.

Both players were part of Chelsea’s extravagant spending spree, surpassing £600 million this season, but their performances have fallen short of the high expectations associated with their hefty price tags.

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However, Sterling has shown signs of returning to form in recent weeks, particularly with a standout performance on the left-wing, scoring two goals against Nottingham Forest in a 2-2 draw last weekend.

On the other hand, Mudryk arrived at the club in a staggering £87.5 million deal in January but has struggled to make an impact, failing to find the back of the net and playing only 571 minutes in the Premier League.

As a primary left-winger, he is likely to face stiff competition from established international and Premier League winner Raheem Sterling for a place in the team next season.

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Competition for starting spots is vital for any club, but with Chelsea set to play fewer fixtures next season due to their absence from European competitions, one of these two players could face a challenging campaign.

Neither player has benefitted from the constant tactical changes under Graham Potter’s management, and Pochettino is expected to bring more stability to the team’s lineup.

Consequently, one of the players could find themselves relegated to the bench at the start of the season, with Mudryk currently being the more probable candidate.

However, sources suggest that Todd Boehly and the Chelsea board will not tolerate such a situation.

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In his recent article, Mirror Football’s John Cross emphasized the need for Pochettino to make big signings like Mudryk and Sterling work, considering their respective potentials.

Cross wrote: “Pochettino will have to demonstrate his ability to make signings like Mykhaylo Mudryk and Raheem Sterling thrive. Sterling brings experience and quality, serving as a role model for the young players in the dressing room.

“Mudryk’s signing was significant, even though he is yet to fully showcase his abilities. Nevertheless, it would be unthinkable to give up on him at this stage.”

Mudryk committed to an eight-and-a-half-year contract with Chelsea, signing in January and securing his stay at Stamford Bridge until June 2031.

READ ALSO: How Chelsea Squad Reacted To Mauricio Pochettino Agreeing To Take Over As Manager

The Ukrainian winger’s transfer represents a long-term investment, binding him to the club until his thirties.

Deals of this duration were unprecedented in the world of football and have since been banned by UEFA due to their potential violation of Financial Fair Play Regulations.

These circumstances shed light on the tumultuous nature of events at Chelsea this season, requiring Pochettino to provide a stabilizing influence, drawing on his experience as the former manager of PSG.

Have your say…… should Pochettino favor Mudryk or Sterling in the starting lineup for Chelsea? Kindly let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.