Ruthless
Thomas Tuchel has explained his decision to substitute Callum Hudson-Odoi against Southampton was because he didn’t like the player’s body language, not because of injury.
Hudson-Odoi had himself been brought on as a substitute at half-time in Chelsea’s 1-1 draw at St Mary’s, with the London club a goal down at the time. However, he was brought off again by Tuchel as the game entered the final 15 minutes.
Many assumed the decision must have been due to the forward picking up an injury, but asked about it in a post-match interview with beIN Sport, Tuchel openly explained that he had been unhappy with his performance.
“The only reason was that I was not happy with his body language and his attitude in counter-pressing,” Tuchel said.
“That’s why I had the feeling he’s not ready to give what I wanted from him for the team. He suffered from this decision but this is it, this is the decision and from tomorrow it’s forgotten.”
"I was not happy with his body launguage and counter pressing."
Thomas Tuchel explains why he took off substitute Callum Hudson-Odoi.#beINPL #SOUCHE
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Chelsea had fallen behind to a well-taken opener from on-loan Liverpool forward Takumi Minamino. They were able to draw level through Mason Mount’s penalty, but couldn’t convert their dominance of possession into any more goals.
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