Thomas Tuchel responds to claims of keeping Callum Hudson-Odoi at Chelsea over the summer
Speaking in the pre-match press conference (h/t Football.London), Thomas Tuchel has revealed that he did not let Callum Hudson-Odoi leave Chelsea on loan earlier this summer.
The 20-year-old suffered for minutes under both Frank Lampard and Thomas Tuchel last season and was often deployed in the wing-back role under the latter last campaign. This season, however, the winger has played a lot more in his natural position and has impressed.
However, the Englishman was pushing for a move in the summer, but the former Paris Saint-Germain boss was having none of it. Tuchel felt Hudson-Odoi was a piece of the puzzle at Stamford Bridge.
Tuchel was asked whether he was glad that Hudson-Odoi stayed at the club this season. The German told reporters in the pre-match press conference (h/t football.london):
“We didn’t let him leave. We built the squad, and Callum was a piece of the puzzle. He thought it might be tough to get minutes, and it might be easier at another club. But you can never be sure.
While the youngster might have found playing time easier to come by elsewhere, Tuchel admits it is far from a sure thing. He was quick to point out the club’s faith in the player’s ability. Now that he is catching the eye, the onus is on him to keep going.
“I told him straight when he asked that it was not possible. We rely on him and we feel he can still make huge progress within this group and club… To get a place in this team, it’s all about performance and this is what Callum shows at the moment. It’s important he shows consistency, stays hungry, and keeps ongoing.”
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Tuchel is certainly happy with the attacker’s progress, but now that Christian Pulisic has also returned from injury, the youngster might need to work harder to retain his role in the club’s starting line-up.
Hudson-Odoi will now have his eye on the Malmo game in mid-week as the Blues try to occupy the top spot in their UEFA Champions League group.