Thomas Tuchel wanted Callum Hudson-Odoi to stay at Chelsea this season
According to a press conference done after the Aston Villa game (h/t football.london), Thomas Tuchel confirmed that he wanted Callum Hudson-Odoi to stay at Chelsea despite deadline day transfer rumours.
Hudson-Odoi, who suffered for minutes last term, made his first Premier League start of the season against Aston Villa on Saturday. The 20-year-old started in the right-wing back role for the Blues, before being moved into the three-man frontline for a brief period during the second half.
While the winger was brought off with less than 10 minutes remaining in the game, he got some considerable game-time under his belt. The Englishman was of interest to the likes of Borussia Dortmund and Leicester City this summer but a deadline day move was never on the cards.
Thomas Tuchel, who was happy with his club’s third win of the season, talked about his desire to keep Hudson-Odoi at the club this season. He said (h/t football.london):
“We have spoken. It was a very easy decision for me to make on the last day of the transfer period… He (Hudson-Odoi) is able to play as a right wing-back, a left wing-back in the two ten positions. He knows the group, we know him very well. There was no chance to say yes on the last day.
“For him personally it may have been a good opportunity but for us and our targets that we want to achieve, it was simply impossible”.
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Although this was the 20-year-old’s first league appearance this season, the youngster also started the UEFA Super Cup final last month, which the Stamford Bridge outfit went on to win on penalties.
While the Blues do have considerable talent in the squad, the Englishman would be hoping to play more often this season as he looks to nail down a starting spot under Tuchel.