Chelsea manager Frank Lampard has defended his decision to drop home-grown winger Callum Hudson-Odoi altogether for last weekend’s Premier League against Tottenham, just days after the 20-year-old had started and scored in the Champions League.
Hudson-Odoi has only started five of Chelsea’s 16 games in all competitions so far this season. But it was a shock for many to see him not even make the bench for the Spurs game, especially after making an important impact for the Blues in Europe.
The return of Christian Pulisic to the squad and a reduced bench for domestic games were both likely factors in his exclusion, with Lampard explaining that all players have to make do with being rotated and left out at various times because of the size of the squad.
Although not playing will bring speculation about Hudson-Odoi’s future, the Chelsea boss insists there is no other reason behind being omitted at the weekend.
“I have tough decisions when we have a fully fit squad like we do now. We have elite players who work hard through the week, they’re desperate to play for the club but I have to leave them out,” Lampard is quoted as saying by the Daily Mirror.
“There will be other times when others players have to sit out and the conversation will be with other players. He’s back in contention, I want to see him keep that progression going and if there are times when he’s not starting or not in the squad, the main thing is that I want him is to stay positive and I suppose that is part of my job to have that communication level.
“His reaction to me saying that to him was great, his reaction since in training has been great and I’m sure he’ll show that again when he plays.”
Chelsea can wrap up top spot in their Champions League group with a win at Sevilla on Wednesday night.
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Source : 90min