Photo by Asuka Chan/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Photo by Asuka Chan/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Speaking after the Juventus match, Xabi Alonso has given an explanation behind Mykhailo Mudryk’s minutes in Chelsea’s friendly.
Mykhailo Mudryk is basically starting over at Chelsea after sitting out for nearly two years. Coming back from that long break isn’t easy, so right now he’s just focused on getting his fitness back and getting used to how Xabi Alonso wants the team to play.
Chelsea still have him locked down on a long-term contract, so they aren’t rushing him, even if other clubs like Frank Lampard’s Coventry City are keeping an eye on his situation.
For Mudryk, it’s all about putting in the work, winning over the manager, and trying to get his spot on the left wing back after his return against Juventus.
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Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
In his post-match interview, Xabi Alonso put the minutes Mudryk received down to wanting to give him an emotional return to football, which was evident from the reaction of supporters and the whole Chelsea substitutes’ bench clapping him on to the field.
“It was more than a football decision. It was a human decision and emotional decision to give him this boost, to feel the great support that he got and the great reception when he came on the pitch.
“Yes, for sure, I’m really pleased for him. It was emotional for everyone from the club to see him back, especially when I told him that before the game that was my idea, that he could play 10-15 minutes. He was thrilled, for sure. It was, after such a long period, to be back on the pitch, it was a great feeling for him and a great feeling for everyone as well.”
And it later came out that Jackson offered to sacrifice himself in order for Mudryk to come on and make his return to football, which was a brilliant gesture.