14 February 2023 , 22:23
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Chelsea boss Graham Potter has quashed any talk of a rift between Blues duo Mykhaylo Mudryk and Marc Cucurella despite some controversial Instagram activity from the former.
Mudryk's account was spotted 'liking' a post that blasted Cucurella for not passing to the Ukrainian international during the recent trip to West Ham last Saturday. The footage shows the full-back awkwardly apologising for missing Mudryk's run, while the winger looks obviously annoyed.
At the time, Cucurella's decision to pass sideways to Enzo Fernandez instead sparked jeers from the away end at the London Stadium. Mudryk's account unliked the post soon enough, but it did not go unnoticed by fans who have since sparked speculation a feud could be brewing between the pair.
It would certainly not make Potter's life any easier if there was, particularly with a huge Champions League tie against Borussia Dortmund awaiting them on Wednesday night.
Speaking ahead of the clash, the Chelsea manager addressed the rumours of unrest between Mudryk and Cucurella.
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“There’s no problem in terms of anything sinister at all,” he told a press conference. “If anything it’s just team-mates understanding each other, it’s quite a common problem, I would say – when to pass, at what point, at what time.
Mykhaylo Mudryk was seen liking this Instagram post (INTERENET PICTURE)
He was visibly frustrated with Marc Cucurella (Rob Newell - CameraSport via Getty Images)HAVE YOUR SAY! Should Potter be concerned by Mudryk's Instagram activity? Comment below
"Playing against a back five, West Ham make it difficult for you to access maybe the wideman’s feet and it’s just an understanding of when to play in space or how to make the runs.
"Mykhaylo, that’s only his third game with us, so there’s no problem. It’s more just an understanding challenge, which is quite easy to understand when you recognise the context that we’re in."
Cucurella has struggled to settle at Stamford Bridge since his £60million switch from Potter's former side Brighton in the summer and it would appear as if fans are losing patience with the Spaniard.
Once the left-back's number came up to signal his substitution in place of Ben Chilwell against the Hammers on Saturday, a chorus of cheers could be heard from the travelling Chelsea faithful.
Potter will know he needs to start getting a tune out of his expensively-assembled squad sooner rather than later if Chelsea are to stand any chance of going far in the knockout stages of European football's elite club competition.
While pressure is undeniably mounting, Potter has insisted he is relishing the opportunity the game against Dortmund presents.
"It’s the knockout stage of the Champions League, the absolute pinnacle in terms of the game,” he said. "A great test, playing against a fantastic club and team in front of 80-odd thousand here, so a wonderful occasion."