Hudson- Odoi must wait for his chance is Frank message
BAYERN BIDS WON’T SWAY LAMPARD
FRANK LAMPARD will not be pressured into giving more game time to Callum Hudson- Odoi by the threat of Bayern Munich’s interest.
The Chelsea manager admitted it had been tough to leave his England winger out of the squad that drew with Tottenham last Sunday.
That came after the 20- year- old had scored a superb goal in the Champions League win that took them through to the last 16 at Rennes last week.
But Lampard said he is not worried if Bayern – who have been chasing Hudson- Odoi for a year – make another move or that the frustrated youngster could be tempted to leave.
Bayern have had four bids for Hudson- Odoi, above, rejected – the last in October – but Lampard said: “I’m not worried about the permutations of leaving someone out. I’m making decisions for the squad. In Callum’s early career he got into the team, there was a lot of talk around him and then he got a really bad injury [ ruptured Achilles].
“Now time and work is showing him to be back in the form of where he wants to be. He’s still a developing player, a very young man. I have to see the bigger picture. “Callum has hundreds of games in front of him. He will have a big impact. He might not like it but I have to look around and ask who else do I take out. Tottenham have Gareth Bale on the bench.”
Lampard revealed he had talks with Hudson- Odoi – who is set to return tonight at Sevilla but has started only one league game this season.
“Callum took it very well [ being dropped against Spurs],” said Lampard. “His attitude has been bang on. It’s not an easy conversation. He’ll get minutes tonight and it’s up to him to show he deserves to start.
“I spoke to him. He is making progression, getting better. I want to see him keeping that progression going. If there are times when he’s not starting I want him to stay positive. “There’s competition, that’s the reality at Chelsea. We have elite players desperate to play but I have to leave them out. I have to leave out four or five players per game. “If I thought about every player and the risk of it, I’d never make a decision.” Jorginho, another finding it hard to get in the side, said: “I’m working so that when the call comes I’ll be ready.” Chelsea are through to the last 16 but want a win to top their group.