'I was not happy' - Tuchel explains decision to sub Hudson-Odoi

The Chelsea winger lasted just 30 minutes against Southampton before Tuchel made a surprise decision to substitute him.

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel revealed Callum Hudson-Odoi’s attitude and level of performance were his reasons for substituting the winger in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Southampton in the Premier League.

Hudson-Odoi’s second-half cameo at St Mary’s left fans puzzled. He replaced Tammy Abraham during the break, but he later made way for Hakim Ziyech after only half an hour despite bearing no injury problems.

The 20-year-old became the first Chelsea player to be subbed on and subbed off in the league this term.

"I had the feeling that he was never really in the game."

Chelsea head coach Thomas Tuchel singled out Callum Hudson-Odoi's performance in their 1-1 draw at Southampton after he was substituted in the 76th minute despite only coming on at half-time. pic.twitter.com/jz6VEA5YSP

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) February 20, 2021

“It was not the game plan,” Tuchel told talkSPORT. “I was not happy with his attitude against the ball, he forgot the counter-pressing situation sometimes.

“We talked about how we expected his energy, work rate and strife from the games. I trust him a lot, I think he’s played every match. But today I was not happy.

“I had the feeling he could not help, and he did not accept the intensity that is needed. I took this decision, it’s a hard decision today. But tomorrow it’s forgotten.”

Hudson-Odoi has made 26 appearances in all competitions this season. He’s also played in each of Tuchel’s seven games since the German replaced Frank Lampard as Chelsea boss in January.

The England international will, therefore, be hopeful of featuring again in Chelsea’s first leg against Atletico Madrid in a Champions League last-16 tie in Spain on Tuesday.