Pochettino determined to get Mudryk flying again

Mauricio Pochettino has given Mykhailo Mudryk a timely boost ahead of Chelsea's first pre-season match.  

The Blues kick off their tour of America against League Two newcomers Wrexham this evening. 

And Pochettino, 51, has spoken at length with Mudryk after the Ukrainian failed to live up to expectations in his first season at Stamford Bridge. 

He said: "I spoke with all the players, a lot. Mudryk also because he was in Barcelona for a few days and we exchanged messages.

"We spoke in the last few days and I've found a really good kid. He is still young with massive potential. 

"The most important thing is we need to earn the trust and confidence in us. 

"We are building the relationship with him and with different players. They need to know us and how we act in every situation. 

"We've had many chats and I'm happy about that."

With Wesley Fofana undergoing reconstructive surgery on his ACL and a number of senior players moving on, Pochettino has his hands full as he rebuilds a side stripped of confidence by a dismal 2022-23 campaign. 

But despite inheriting a young squad lacking any extensive experience, other than defensive stalwart Thiago Silva, the ex-Spurs boss is relishing the challenge. 

Speaking to Chelseafc.com, he added: "We have a young squad but the players are showing commitment and working so well. 

"We're so happy in the way they're working but we still need to work in pre-season to build a strong squad and evolve the way we play, the concepts and the things we expect from them. 

"It's always about the balance and the mentality. No pressure, but they need to show."

Having seen the likes of Mason Mount, Kai Havertz, N'Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic depart this summer, Chelsea's only major incomings have been Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson. 

And Pochettino admits he would like to see further additions — if the right players are available at the right price. 

He said: "I want the right profiles and the right players to arrive that improve the squad. We need to work really hard on the targets we have."