Sarri defiant on Hudson-Odoi and Jorginho

Maurizio Sarri defended Jorginho and again called for Callum Hudson-Odoi to be patient after Chelsea’s Europa League win against Malmo.

Hudson-Odoi, finally given a starting place by Sarri, scored as the Blues won 3-0 at Stamford Bridge and 5-1 on aggregate to book their place in the last 16.

Chelsea struggled before Olivier Giroud’s sixth European goal of the season broke the deadlock 10 minutes into the second half.[phone]

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Ross Barkley netted with a free-kick and Hudson-Odoi added a late third – much to the delight of the home fans, who are keen for the 18-year-old to be given a run in the side.

Under-pressure head coach Sarri said Hudson-Odoi “played very well” but reiterated that the likes of Eden Hazard, Willian and Pedro are currently above him in the pecking order.

Sarri said: “We have Pedro, Willian and Hazard and it’s not easy for a young player to play with consistency.

“I want to remind you that Callum has played 14 matches. There isn’t in England another player (of a similar age) with 14 matches in the first team. I think we are using him in the right way.

“The club must decide because, if I am at the club and want Callum on the pitch, I must sell another winger or the manager is in trouble.”

Chelsea were poor in the opening half an hour and Sarri admitted that “it will be a disaster” if his side perform similarly in Sunday’s Carabao Cup final against Manchester City, who recently hammered them 6-0.

And he also suggested it underlined the importance of Jorginho, who was booed by some fans as he came on as a substitute.

Sarri’s faith in Jorginho as the midfield anchor is seen by many Chelsea supporters as a major reason for recent dismal results, particularly as N’Golo Kante has been moved into a more advanced position.

Asked about the booing of Jorginho, Sarri said: “I think in the first 30 minutes we understood why Jorginho is important for the team.

“We were in trouble to exit from our half and with Jorginho it’s easier. I hope our fans will be able to understand that he is very important for us.”

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