Zola defends Sarri over Hudson-Odoi omission

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Gianfranco Zola has passionately defended boss Maurizio Sarri’s limited use of Chelsea youngster Callum Hudson-Odoi.

Blues head coach Sarri insisted while the teenager was being pursued by Bayern Munich during last month’s transfer window that he regarded him as “ready” for the first team and that he was very much in contention for a place in the side.

However, Hudson-Odoi, 18, has been overlooked again since then and was only brought on for the final few minutes of Thursday’s Europa League game against Malmo.

That angered many Chelsea fans who fear the player could leave Stamford Bridge, where his contract expires next year.

But assistant boss Zola backed Sarri when asked at a media conference on Friday afternoon about the concerns of Chelsea fans and whether the club remain intent on making Hudson-Odoi feel valued.

“Sorry, but I disagree with this,” said Zola.

“He is always on the edge of the team. As soon as there is an opportunity he plays – sometimes from the beginning, sometimes he comes on.

“So I think the manager is giving plenty of reasons to make him feel involved and wanted.”

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Zola has previously pointed to the lack of players of the same age getting regular first-team football at similar clubs.

He did so again – and once more pointed to the quality of players competing for places with Hudson-Odoi, who is below the likes of Eden Hazard, Pedro and Willian in the pecking order.

“Again, I want to stress this; there are not many 18-year-olds in Europe playing for top clubs as much as he is doing,” Zola said.

“He is a player we appreciate and we believe is growing up and has a bright future in the club. Maurizio and the whole coaching group like him.

“Please, you need to understand; he is surrounded by top players and you have to work hard to be better than them.

“We want to make sure that he plays and also that he keeps improving, because he can still do better than he is doing.”