Versatile Chelsea star reveals Tuchel tactic ‘improving’ his game

Callum Hudson-Odoi TEAMtalk

Callum Hudson-Odoi is happy to have Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel bellowing instructions from the touchline as he feels it acts as motivation.

Tuchel replaced Frank Lampard in the Stamford Bridge dugout and has enjoyed a decent start to his reign. Two wins and a draw from his first three games sees the Blues sitting seventh heading into Sunday’s games.

And, as the weekend closes, they have an opportunity to add to their 36 points against Sheffield United. It was always going to be tough for the German tactician to follow a Chelsea legend.

He is known as a disciplinarian and a someone who wears his heart on his sleeve. A few managers are quiet when watching their charges but Tuchel is extremely vociferous.

Hudson-Odoi does not mind and actually enjoys having his ear bent by the boss.

“I’m liking it because it’s motivating for when you know a manager is on the side and he’s instructing you to do certain things, he’s always pushing you and shouting at you,” he told Sky Sports.

“Sometimes you don’t like shouting but sometimes it motivates players to keep improving and keep showing your qualities.

“I’m enjoying every bit of it. I feel like he’s come with a real purpose to try and win games as much as possible, as quick as possible. Trying to implement his tactics as quick as possible.”

Sheffield Utd v Chelsea Match Preview, February 07, 2021

Sheffield Utd v Chelsea Match Preview, February 07, 2021

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Youngster’s flexibility a bonus

Hudson-Odoi is primarily a winger who supports the central striker but has recently been used a wing-back. He was back in his favoured position further up the pitch last time out as the west Londoners downed Tottenham.

Tuchel feels the 20-year-old can do either job and was delighted with the way he adapted to the system.

Thomas Tuchel TEAMtalk

“To play with four you have to be very disciplined, and the automatisms between the line of four have to be very synchronised,” he added. “So we opted for a back five and we didn’t want to get too defensive. We thought about trying Reece (James) and Callum on the right side in training.

“Callum fitted very good and we wanted to have at least four offensive guys on the pitch from the start.

“We just let him drive and he did very good, showing all his qualities he has: the high speed, the quick recoveries, dribbles, good one-on-one. He took his chance.”

 

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