Tuchel backs ‘brilliant’ Hudson-Odoi after Chelsea victory

Thomas Tuchel has backed Callum Hudson-Odoi and denied he was frustrated with the winger during Chelsea’s 3-1 win at Aston Villa.

Blues boss Tuchel was asked about seemingly reacting angrily to Hudson-Odoi giving the ball away during the Boxing Day win.

The German felt Hudson-Odoi could have passed to N’Golo Kante – but he insisted he was more than happy with the winger’s overall performance.

“I was never frustrated with him,” Tuchel said.

“He had one bad decision under pressure, where he tried to do a back-heel in front of the coaching zone and maybe there was an easier solution to escape the pressure with a clear pass to NG.

“But I was never frustrated with him. I think he was brilliant.”

Hudson-Odoi was making his return to action after recently being unavailable because he had tested positive for Covid-19.

He set up a goal for Romelu Lukaku, won a penalty and unexpectedly played the full 90 minutes.

Tuchel explained: “Normally it was clear that he plays one half or a maximum of 60 minutes – this was already more than any recommendation from the fitness department.

“But he was strong in training so I wanted to have him on the pitch.”