LONDON • Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri needs no convincing about Callum Hudson-Odoi's immense potential, but is reluctant to put too much pressure on the teenager as it could prove "dangerous" for his development.
The winger, who emerged as a transfer target for German giants Bayern Munich in January, came off the bench to score a late goal in Chelsea's 3-0 win over Dynamo Kiev in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 clash on Thursday.
Supporters at Stamford Bridge were chanting for him to be brought on before the 18-year-old, who has not been able to break into the first team this season, was introduced with 12 minutes to go.
"He doesn't have to do anything to convince me. He's a very great player. In my opinion, a player at 18 years old cannot be at the top. He needs to improve until he's 22 or 23," Sarri told a news conference after the match, in which Pedro and Willian also scored.
"To have pressure when you're 18 is dangerous. You can lose (sight of) the target. When you're 18, the target is to improve tactically, mentally and physically. I don't like to speak about him for this reason.
"Now he needs to improve without the pressure of the media, the fans and the club, but he is in my mind for every match."
The win put Chelsea in a strong position to reach the quarter-finals of Europe's second-tier club competition, but Sarri warned his players against complacency ahead of the return leg in Kiev next Thursday.
"Now we have to be careful. We have to go there with a good level of application and determination if we want to qualify," he added.
"If you concede a goal, you can go mentally in trouble. We have to go there with the right level of attention."
In the Premier League, while top-four rivals Arsenal and Manchester United square off at the Emirates tomorrow, the Blues will host Wolves - while also having a home match (their game in hand) against Brighton to be fitted in at some point.
Sarri believes that the next two matches will be crucial for Chelsea to get ahead in the tough battle for the Champions League spots.
"I think that we have two big opportunities - this match and then when we will play the match against Brighton," he said.
"But I think we will be fighting for the top four until the last minute of the last match. Every match will be important in our future."
REUTERS
England's future bright with rise of starlets: Henderson LONDON • Jordan Henderson believes that England are ready to fulfil the growing expectations around their vibrant young team as their Euro 2020 qualifying campaign kicks off with the Czech Republic's visit to Wembley today.
Youthful talent gives England a bright future, says Henderson
A lawyer for FIFA council member Mahfuza Akhter Kiron is set to file a petition in a Bangladesh court on Tuesday seeking bail for the official who has been arrested in a defamation case following her criticism of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Bangladesh arrested FIFA official for 'defaming' PM Sheikh Hasina
Chelsea boost top-four hopes, Cardiff relegated and Man City
Noh meaning in Urdu: جاپان کا روایتی ڈراما جِس میں رقص اور موسیقی بھی شامل ہوتی ہے - Japan ka riwayati drama jiss mein raqs aur moseeqi bhi shaamil hoti hai meaning, Definition Synonyms at English to Urdu dictionary gives you the best and accurate urdu translation and meanings of Noh and Japan ka riwayati drama jiss mein raqs aur moseeqi bhi
8 Fun Corporate Team-Building Activities In Singapore Even
Audit shows a record 3.572 billion people watched the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ Figure includes those who watched TV at home, out of home or on digital platforms The final was seen live by a
Almost Half Of The World's Population Watched The FIFA World
Football: Stoke's England World Cup-winning 'keeper Gordon Banks dies at 81 LONDON (AFP) - Gordon Banks, the England football team's goalkeeper when they won the 1966 World Cup, has died aged 81, his former club Stoke announced on Tuesday (Feb 12).
Gordon Banks: England's World Cup-winning goalkeeper dies
Cristiano Ronaldo appeared disgruntled after realising his teammate Bernardo Silva had beaten him to the Uefa Nations League Player of the Tournament award. Portugal beat the Netherlands in the
Nations League: More than just Cristiano Ronaldo! Portugal
It will be a homecoming of sorts for the 34-year-old Ronaldo who lived a stone's throw away from Atletico's training centre. Juventus signed Ronaldo because of his Champions League credentials. No player owns as many Champions League titles as Ronaldo who has won five, four with Real Madrid and one with Manchester United.
Mourinho Just Ended The Ronaldo-Messi Debate Once And For All
Gianni Infantino was re-elected as president of the football governing body FIFA for a four-year term until 2023. The 49-year-old Swiss national was elected by acclamation as the sole candidate at
Atletico Madrid fell to their first La Liga defeat in five months as they were beaten 1-0 at Real Betis on Sunday, missing a golden chance to close the gap with leaders Barcelona and slipping six
Soccer-Atletico title bid suffers with defeat at Betis in
Man Utd miss out on top four after draw at Huddersfield 3 weeks ago Manchester United will have to settle for Europa League football next season after being held by a Huddersfield side who were relegated in March.
Man Utd Miss Out On Top Four After Draw At Huddersfield
FIFA moved a step closer on Friday to expanding the 2022 World Cup in Qatar to 48 teams and hopes to confirm the plans in June if a suitable co-host can be found. An internal feasibility study
FIFA backs 48-team World Cup in 2022 - Vanguard News
The two clubs, which have won 38 English titles between them (United 20, Liverpool 18), met outside England for the first time in 2014, when they contested the final of the ICC in Miami, with
Cristiano Ronaldo Handles Crazy Fan With Class - YouTube
Football: Experienced Liverpool making a big statement, says Klopp. Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp celebrates after the match with Jordan Henderson. "That says something, it's a big statement
Experienced Liverpool making a big statement, says Klopp
0 comments:
Post a Comment