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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<ul><li>Chelsea reach Carabao Cup final with 6-1 win</li><li>Mudryk subbed at half-time</li><li>Poch felt winger was taking too many risks</li></ul><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script>

Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino explains why 'risky' Mykhailo Mudryk was hooked at half-time during Carabao Cup semi-final rout of Middlesbrough

Premier League

Chelsea

Bournemouth

Chelsea's £88.5 ($113m) million signing was playing with fire as he lunged into a tackle just minutes away from the conclusion of the first half, even after being cautioned in the 12th minute. <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/chelsea-player-ratings-middlesbrough-carabao-cup-raheem-sterling-cole-palmer-ben-chilwell/blt9b1126fc29e69f34" target="_blank">With the Blues already sitting on a 4-0 lead,</a> thanks to a Jonny Howson own goal and strikes from Enzo Fernandez, Axel Disasi, and Cole Palmer, Pochettino decided to pull out the Ukrainian forward before the second half got underway at Stamford Bridge.

WHAT HAPPENED?

When asked if Mudryk's substitution was due to an injury issue, Pochettino replied: "No. If you watch the game, he got a yellow card. He got a yellow card and then there was an action at the end of the first half that was too risky, that nearly touched the opponent and got a second [yellow card], and we did not want to take a risk with him. It was an unnecessary risk to have him on the pitch. That is why we changed it."

WHAT POCHETTINO SAID

Pochettino believes that reaching a cup final will be a major boost to the belief and confidence of his Chelsea team, who are gradually realising their potential after a disastrous start to the season which sees them in ninth place in the Premier League standings. "Yes, I think this is important for us, of course," he said. "We are going to have Fulham or Liverpool – two amazing teams, it is going to be difficult. But now we need to believe that we can win. But I think it’s an important step for us because of the confidence and belief in ourselves and then that is going to help because of the motivation. And so many players are close to coming back to the team. Maybe they are going to look tomorrow and want to train because they see the final is so close."Of course, I think today is going to help this team because we don’t have the possibility to play in the Champions League or be in Europe. This type of experience, to go to Wembley, is going to build our trust and confidence and our mentality. The club, I think Chelsea’s mentality is amazing, in terms of they want to win. But we are a new team. We need to build this confidence and trust. To go to Wembley and play a final with Liverpool or Fulham now."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Chelsea have another cup fixture lined up next against Aston Villa on Friday in the FA Cup before they turn their attention back to the Premier League, where they are slated to face Liverpool on January 31 at Anfield. Before the League Cup final on February 25 at Wembley, the Blues will also play against Wolves, Crystal Palace, and Manchester City.

WHAT NEXT?

Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino explains why 'risky' Mykhailo Mudryk was hooked at half-time during Carabao Cup semi-final rout of Middlesbrough | Goal.com India

Mauricio Pochettino has explained why he subbed &quot;risky&quot; Mykhailo Mudryk at half-time during Chelsea&apos;s 6-1 rout of Middlesbrough in the Carabao Cup.

Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino explains why &apos;risky&apos; Mykhailo Mudryk was hooked at half-time during Carabao Cup semi-final rout of Middlesbrough

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