Maurizio Sarri claimed there is “dangerous” pressure on Callum Hudson-Odoi after the teenage super sub scored a crucial third goal to seal Chelsea ‘s win.
After earlier strikes from Pedro and Willian, the 18-year-old’s 90th minute effort gives the Blues a huge advantage to take to Ukraine next week as they bid to reach the Europa League quarter-finals.
The England youth international and crowd favourite has refused to sign a new Chelsea contract over concerns over his playing time amid interest from Bayern Munich.
And even before his late introduction, the Blues fans were singing hiss name to brighten up a dull second half.
But after Hudson-Odoi’s third Europa League goal of the season, Sarri said: “He doesn’t need to do anything to convince me.
“He has convinced me he is a very great player.
“He cannot be at the top yet. He needs to improve because he can arrive at the top only at 22 or 23, like every other player.
“So I now think we need to improve without the pressure of the media, without the pressure of the fans, without the pressure of the club.
(Image: PA)
“I think it’s very dangerous, at 18, to have this pressure.
“You have to improve, tactically, mentally and physically, at that age.
“So it’s dangerous for you. I don’t like to speak about him for this reason.”
With Eden Hazard rested, the livewire Pedro fired in all four of Chelsea’s on-target shots in the first half including his 17th minute goal.
Olivier Giroud flicked a pass through defender Artem Shabanov’s legs to and the Spaniard completed the double nutmeg by shooting through goalkeeper Denys Boyko.
(Image: Getty Images)
After 65 minutes, Willian curled in an identical shot to the goal he scored against the Ukrainians in the Champions League in 2015.
And Hudson-Odoi netted with a low, right-foot shot ensure Chelsea a third consecutive win since the Carabao Cup final defeat – and Kepa Arrizbalaga’s mutiny. Sarri added: “The third goal is very important – we should have scored more goals, especially in the first half.
“We have to play the second leg and be careful. We need application otherwise, if you concede a goal, you can be mentally in trouble. We need to go there with a high level of attention because we want to qualify.”
