Thomas Tuchel delighted with Callum Hudson-Odoi's response in Norwich win
By Tom Gott
Thomas Tuchel has heaped praise on Callum Hudson-Odoi for rising to the challenge set by his boss in Chelsea's 7-0 mauling of Norwich on Saturday.
In the build-up to the game, when injuries to Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner made it apparent that Hudson-Odoi was set for an extended run in the team, Tuchel challenged the young winger to put together a run of consistent performances.
The first phase of Hudson-Odoi's resurgence is complete as the 20-year-old found the back of the net and forced an own goal from Max Aarons as well, after which Tuchel was impressed.
"He had a good game," Tuchel said (via football.london). "He played well against Malmo and had a good game today but there are still things to improve and to work on.
"Now it is on him. It is like I said before the game, he needs to show that he is able to produce performances like this consistently and now is the time to show. Next opportunity will be Tuesday."
The goal was Hudson-Odoi's first since Tuchel's arrived in January and the boss wants to see more of that before he commits to giving the 20-year-old a permanent spot in the starting lineup ahead of the likes of Werner or hat-trick hero Mason Mount.
However, with Chelsea's forward line still weakened by injuries, Hudson-Odoi appears set to retain his spot in the starting lineup to face Southampton in the Carabao Cup in the coming days and perhaps also in the return to Premier League action against Newcastle next weekend.
Chelsea will be favourites to win both games, and Tuchel admitted he is enjoying Chelsea's reaction to the pressure that comes with being league leaders.
"I like the way we approached these [last few] games," the boss said. "It's a humble approach and it sets our standards. We push ourselves and play all in every single match. We are not distracted by the role which we may see ourselves as favourites before the match. This is the most important.
"We have to keep going in this way and anything is possible. If you have a bit of luck, create more chances and you become more confident. We are then capable of scoring four to seven goals, there will be games which will be closer and we must prepare for those also."