Shakhtar Donetsk CEO Serhiy Palkin has passionately defended Mykhailo Mudryk, insisting that the Chelsea winger remains a “special talent” despite his ongoing struggles in English football.

Mudryk, who joined Chelsea for £88.5 million in January 2023, has yet to fully live up to expectations, but Palkin believes the instability at the club has hindered his progress.

“When you don’t know how to run a Ferrari, it’s better you don’t touch a Ferrari,” Palkin remarked, criticising Chelsea’s constant managerial changes. 

“Chelsea changed a lot of coaches. One guy arriving after another one and another one. So it’s difficult for him to find, let’s say, his coach. But I know 100 percent he is a very unique player.”

The Shakhtar chief also addressed Mudryk’s recent doping controversy, firmly backing the Ukrainian winger’s innocence.

“Mudryk is special! Yes, he has a problem now with doping, and we are all trying to help him because I know the story from the inside, and I know 100 percent that he didn’t use any doping.”

Palkin further dismissed any notion that Mudryk would intentionally use banned substances, emphasising the winger’s natural abilities.

“For Mudryk, it’s nonsense to use some kind of drugs because from his natural skills, he already has everything – and most important is speed.”

Despite the setbacks, Chelsea fans will be hoping that the 23-year-old winger can still fulfill his potential and become a key figure for the club in the near future.