Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has explained the unique method he is using to try and improve winger Mykhailo Mudryk.
He told The Athletic that he is challenging the Ukraine international to crossbar challenges in training in order to get belief back in himself.
Confidence does seem to have been the main issue for Mudryk since he joined the club, with his ability on show in rare glimpses.
He has been handed starts in the last two games, and has been the best player on the pitch for the first 45 minutes of both.
Malo Gusto’s red card saw him forced off at the weekend against Aston Villa, despite him being the most threatening player for the Blues.
In an attempt to bolster his confidence, Pochettino has claimed he is taking him on at crossbar challenges, with Mudryk apparently finally drawing with his manager.
Pochettino challenging Mudryk
He said: “The problem is we can’t buy confidence at the supermarket! It’s about time. You know how our brains work – it’s about little by little, creating situations where we can provide the trust and the confidence and the belief.
“One example with Mudryk, I like to play sometimes to (hit) the crossbar from outside the box. He said to me, ‘I don’t want to play anymore with you because you always win!’ I said ‘Yes, because I have the belief, and the balance between belief and quality I know very well because I’m 50 years old. You’re still young and you need to know yourself’.
“Today (Tuesday) was the first day we draw, because I always won. Now you start to believe in yourself, believe in your quality. If not, it’s difficult to balance belief and quality.
“That is one aspect you work on, the psychology of the player, and that can make the difference to provide the players with confidence to touch the ball and score. It’s a small example.”
It remains to be seen if he is handed a start tonight when they take on Brighton in the EFL Cup.
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox
