Chelsea manager Frank Lampard has backed out-of-form Callum Hudson-Odoi to return to his best despite a poor display against Southampton on Boxing Day.
The 19-year-old was substituted for Christian Pulisic on the 67th-minute mark as his side fell to a 2-0 home defeat against Southampton. The defeat marked the Blues' third loss of the season at Stamford Bridge, while 2019/20 is officially the club's worst half-season in terms of points tally in the entire Roman Abramovich era.
Much of the team has struggled for form in recent weeks. However, Lampard put no blame on youngster Hudson-Odoi, who is still recovering from a ruptured his Achilles, which he suffered back in April.
“I thought he [Hudson-Odoi] put in a lot of effort; he was trying things and making runs, i
The winger, who started his first game for Chelsea since October, was at fault for Southampton's first goal as he lost possession in the build-up to Michael Obafemi's strike.
However, Lampard offered his support to the England international, adding:
“He’s very young, there was a lot of talk last year about his contract, would he or wouldn’t he sign it, and now he has,” added Lampard.
“And now he’s in a period where he has to get his head down and work, and he knows that, to show what he can be for this club. It’s down to him now.
“And I showed faith with him and I’ll continue to do that, but we also have to go with him a bit.
“I’ve sat here and probably been a bit harsh on him at times, but now is not the moment to do that because I think I saw an effort and desire, and I’ve seen it in training in the last couple of weeks.”
Chelsea return to Premier League action on Sunday as they travel to the Emirates Stadium to face Mikel Arteta's Arsenal, before heading to the Amex Stadium to take on Brighton on Wednesday afternoon.
Source : 90min