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
Rakitic: Messi's motivation spurs on Barcelona. "Whenever our captain says something the rest of us follow," said Rakitic at a press conference on Tuesday. Rakitic believes Barcelona's
Messi's motivation spurs on Barcelona, says Rakitic - News
Top-tier journalist Kristof Terreur: Unai Emery has been in touch with Thomas Meunier a few times 71 · 97 comments LazioNews24 [Exclusive]: Lazio in a good position to sign Alberto Moreno but are facing competition from #AFC and Betis who have started gauging the player's interest recently and are ready to make concrete steps to sign him.
The three key positions Arsenal must spend - football.london
Hence, only a miracle will stop Sheffield United to get promoted to EPL and they are destined to finish as runners-up to Norwich. As for Leeds, they can only wait for their opponent in the playoff semi-finals as they are guaranteed a spot in the top 4 position. Current Top 6: 1. Norwich - 91 pts (MP:45 , GD +35) 2. Sheffield Utd - 88 pts (MP:45
An Early Look at the Three Teams Promoted from the
Chelsea can cope with transfer ban, says Sarri. celebrates with teammates after scoring the opening goal of the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Brighton and Hove
Chelsea Can Cope With Transfer Ban - Sarri | Sportnaija
Liverpool ease past Bayern 3-1 to reach last eight their unbeaten run in Champions League last-16 matches to eight following a 1-0 loss at home to Barcelona in
Champions League: Liverpool ease past Bayern Munich 3-1 to
SINGAPORE - Former Football Association of Singapore (FAS) general secretary Winston Lee withdrew his candidacy for one of nine seats on the executive committee members of the Asian Football
Football: Ex-FAS general secretary Winston Lee withdraws
Liverpool powered back to the top of the Premier League as Xherdan Shaqiri inspired a 3-1 win over bitter rivals Manchester United, while Arsenal's 22-match unbeaten run was shattered by a shock 3-2 defeat at Southampton on Sunday.
Football fans are in for a treat at the annual International Champions Cup Singapore, with riveting football action by top European clubs, thrilling activities off the pitch, and the chance to meet the heroes of the sport up close.
Can't-Miss Holiday Treats From Around The World - forbes.com
OSIJEK, Croatia (Reuters) - Croatia and Hungary pulled away at the top of Euro 2020 qualifying Group E after victories on Saturday in what is shaping up to be a fiercely competitive pool.
Croatia survive England onslaught, thrive in extra time to
Sports Direct annual profits fall 59% as weak pound takes its toll The high street retailer controlled by Mike Ashley reports a big drop in annual earnings after a costly hit from the weak pound
What is on Eleven Sports UK, how much does it cost, what
Liverpool title bid hit by Matip injury. On December 12, 2018 7:23 pm In Sports by Idowu Bankole Comments. Liverpool defender Joel Matip will be out of action for up to six weeks after suffering a
Liverpool title bid hit by Matip injury | Sport24
Singapore. Football: Ikhsan Fandi the match-winner as Singapore Under-22s beat Thais 1-0 to capture Merlion Cup. straitstimes.com. June 09, 2019 9:50 PM SINGAPORE - The Young Lions' hopes of making it to at least the semi-finals of this year's SEA Games - after group-stage …
Singapore national football team - Wikipedia
0 Kommentare:
Kommentar veröffentlichen