Callum Hudson-Odoi has been relishing the opportunity to play under Maurizio Sarri, even if the new Blues manager has revealed the talented youngster may not spend a lot of time on the pitch in the upcoming Premier League season.
Hudson-Odoi has been a bright attacking presence for Chelsea in their pre-season undertaking with Sarri at the helm. Having been selected to start against Perth Glory, the winger set up Pedro’s winner in Australia before producing another superb display against Inter Milan who they beat through penalties after a 1-1 draw in the south of France.
The 17-year-old has only recently signed a professional deal with the club late last year but Chelsea have decided to offer him an improved contract following the recommendation of former Blues favourite and now assistant coach Gianfranco Zola, who had persuaded the club hierarchy to not let the player leave.
Sarri has recently mentioned that while Hudson-Odoi, along with fellow youngster Ethan Ampadu, has a bright future in the long-term, he concedes the two may not see regular playing time in the upcoming season. This has not deterred the former, who intends to keep impressing the former Napoli boss when given the chance.
Enjoy what you do!? pic.twitter.com/AL8ssh0jcm
— Callum Hudson-Odoi (@Calteck10) July 16, 2018
“The fact the manager is giving me the opportunity to play is really boosting my confidence so I just want to keep getting on the ball, pressing and working hard,’ said Hudson-Odoi to the club’s website. “The more games I play, hopefully the more I will be able to impress him as well. Getting the opportunities is obviously a good thing so I just need to keep going. I’ve definitely liked working under Maurizio.”
Hudson-Odoi has also spoken about the role he is playing under the Italian’s attractive brand of football, insisting that how he likes to play is tailor-made for Sarri-ball. “The way he plays suits the way I play because I like to get on the ball a lot, go forward and keep attacking, I either stay in the pockets or stay wide,” said Hudson-Odoi.
“With the way the team are playing, being on the left wing is very good because you get to drive at the defenders one against one or cut inside and combine. You just play with a free mind and play how you can play, but also off the ball we press to try and win the ball high up the pitch, so we defend from the halfway line and obviously attack from there. I like playing under him.”
