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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Tom Blow

Chelsea news: Usyk view of "Ballon d'Or" talent speaks volumes as coach banished

As the international break slowly but surely becomes a distant memory, Graham Potter is preparing for the biggest two months of his career.

Potter's Chelsea must have a solid end to the Premier League campaign - or win the Champions League - if they are to qualify for Europe. The Blues are currently 10th in the table after their 2-2 home draw against relegation candidates Everton last time out.

In terms of the Europe, Chelsea must get the better of Real Madrid to keep their hopes alive. Even if they beat the holders, the Blues will have to play either Manchester City or Bayern Munich in the semi-finals. This season's conclusion could make or break Potter's Chelsea career. With that in mind, here are the latest headlines from Stamford Bridge.

Mudryk backed to win Ballon d'Or

Oleksandr Usyk has backed his compatriot Mykhaylo Mudryk to win the Ballon d'Or before the end of his career. The Ukrainian, 22, signed a huge eight-and-a-half-year contract following his £88million move from Shakhtar Donetsk to Chelsea in January.

Mudryk has not scored in the Premier League since his switch and failed to make an impression during Ukraine's 2-0 defeat to England at Wembley on Sunday. Despite this, Usyk - the unified and undefeated world heavyweight champion - has faith in Mydryk.

Usyk said, "I saw him for the first time playing for the U18 or U19 team. The hairstyle that catches your eye, the tattoos, I mean, he was playing, and I was watching him, and I liked him. It seems to me that this guy can bring the fourth Ballon d'Or to Ukraine.

Gary Neville and Oleksandr Usyk have both offered their thoughts on Mykhaylo Mudryk (YouTube/The Overlap)

What's your view on Mykhaylo Mudryk? Let us know in the comments below!

"I like it [English football], it’s tougher. There's fewer boys fall rolling and screaming, 'Ouch!' I mean, they go toe to toe, the bone sticks out and they keep running."

Usyk's verdict comes after Gary Neville admitted he "wouldn't like to play" against Mudryk after his Premier League debut in January. The Manchester United legend said, "Seeing Mudryk for 10 mins I wouldn't like to play against him!"

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Chelsea coach banished

Chelsea have told their assistant manager Anthony Barry to stay away from the club's Cobham training ground in Surrey amid speculation about his future. Former Blues boss Thomas Tuchel wants to add Barry to his coaching staff at Bayern Munich.

It is believed Barry has agreed to stay away while a deal is being discussed between Bayern and Chelsea. Tuchel was unveiled as Bayern's new manager at a press conference and admitted, "We're hoping to add Anthony Barry, who is currently at Chelsea."

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Conte set for huge pay day

Former Chelsea manager Antonio Conte will receive a £4million severance pay after parting company with Tottenham on Sunday.

The Italian, who won the Premier League and FA Cup during his two-year spell at Stamford Bridge, has left Tottenham three months before his contract was due to expire. "I would like to thank everyone at Spurs who appreciated and shared my passion and my intense way of living football as a coach," said Conte after his departure.

Yet it's not all bad news for Conte thanks to his £15million per year contract.

Click here to read the full story...

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