Chelsea’s victory over Gent saw an overall strong team performance, but two players—Mykailo Mudryk and Filip Jorgensen—found themselves at the center of manager Enzo Maresca’s criticism.
Despite the win, Maresca didn’t hide his dissatisfaction with certain aspects of their play, making it clear that there are high standards to be met under his leadership.
First, Maresca’s frustrations were directed at Mykailo Mudryk.
The Ukrainian winger had some positive moments during the match, including a key assist for Renato Veiga’s debut goal.
His perfectly executed cross showcased the talent that makes him one of Chelsea’s most exciting prospects.
However, Mudryk’s overall performance was marred by poor decision-making and moments where he struggled to retain possession.
According to Football.London’s Bobby Vincent, Mudryk was dispossessed too easily on the wing at one point, prompting a visible outburst from Maresca on the sidelines.
The manager, known for his high expectations, turned away in anger, expressing his disappointment.
This wasn’t the first time Mudryk has faced public criticism from Maresca.
Throughout the season, the Chelsea manager has shown tough love, regularly expressing his high hopes for the young winger but also making clear that his performances need more consistency.
Despite these moments of tension, Mudryk continues to show flashes of the brilliance that could make him a standout player in the Chelsea squad.
However, Maresca’s criticism serves as a reminder that raw talent alone won’t be enough to secure a regular place in the starting lineup.
Filip Jorgensen also found himself under Maresca’s scrutiny.
The Danish goalkeeper stepped in for Robert Sanchez, who had come under fire for a string of mistakes in previous games.
Jorgensen’s performance was solid, but largely uneventful, as Gent rarely tested him throughout the game.
Their two goals were unstoppable, giving Jorgensen no real chance to intervene.
Despite his quiet evening, Maresca was seen giving him a stern talking-to at the end of the match, a clear indication that he demands more from all his players, even those in goal.
Jorgensen, who is aiming to challenge Sanchez for the starting goalkeeper spot, likely hoped for a more action-packed night where he could showcase his skills.
However, with Sanchez under scrutiny for his recent errors, Jorgensen’s steady—if not spectacular—display could still put him in contention for more opportunities in future matches.
After the game, Maresca gave an honest assessment of the team’s performance.
While praising the overall effort, he highlighted areas for improvement, particularly in their defensive approach.
“The second goal we conceded was avoidable,” Maresca told TNT Sports.
His comments made it clear that even in victory, he is not a manager who will settle for anything less than excellence.
He also suggested that players’ performances in one game don’t guarantee their place in the next, indicating that competition for starting spots remains fierce.
In addition to discussing Mudryk and Jorgensen, Maresca also mentioned Kiernan, another player who has faced difficulties adapting to life at a big club like Chelsea.
Maresca showed empathy, acknowledging how challenging it can be for a player to go from being a key figure at a smaller team to integrating into a larger club where they are no longer the focal point.
His understanding of these struggles, combined with his demand for high standards, reflects a nuanced managerial style.
For both Mudryk and Jorgensen, the match against Gent will likely be a moment of reflection.
Mudryk’s flashes of brilliance were overshadowed by lapses in concentration, while Jorgensen’s quiet night in goal left him eager for more chances to prove himself.
Yet, both players remain integral to Maresca’s plans, and with continued effort and development, they could still play crucial roles in Chelsea’s season.
However, as Maresca’s firm yet understanding approach shows, the road to success at Chelsea is tough, and only those who can rise to the challenge will thrive under his leadership.