Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk made an unexpected appearance in Wroclaw ahead of the Blues’ UEFA Conference League final against Real Betis—despite not being part of the official squad.
The Ukrainian international, currently sidelined pending the results of a doping test reanalysis, was spotted mingling with fans in Poland, even joining in their chants. Mudryk, who played a role in Chelsea’s earlier rounds, humorously hinted he was there to “collect his winner’s medal.”
Blues manager Enzo Maresca admitted he was unaware of Mudryk’s presence, saying, “Is he here or is he coming? I had no idea, but I’m happy for Mischa to be here.” The 23-year-old was seen wearing a Chelsea jacket while dining with supporters, though he remains separate from the team’s official delegation.
Maresca also opened up about the challenges of motivating his squad for the tournament, acknowledging that some players initially underestimated its significance.
“The hardest part this season was convincing the team that this was the most important competition for us—because it’s the one we were in,” he explained. “Every match was tough, and we couldn’t afford to drop points. We had to respect every opponent in Europe.”
While downplaying personal ambition, Maresca emphasized the historic opportunity at stake: “Winning isn’t about me—it’s for the club and the fans. And if we succeed, Chelsea will become the first club to win every major European trophy.”
As the Blues prepare for Wednesday’s final, Mudryk’s surprise presence has added an intriguing subplot to their quest for continental glory.
