Tuchel slams Hudson-Odoi attitude after substitution in Blues draw

Thomas Tuchel admitted he was “unhappy” with Callum Hudson-Odoi’s attitude after dragging off the Chelsea winger soon after his introduction as a substitute in Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Southampton.

Hudson-Odoi was sent on as a half-time replacement for Tammy Abraham, but his afternoon ended in embarrassment when he was replaced to make way for Hakim Ziyech in the 76th minute.

Blues boss Tuchel made no attempt to hide his frustration with the England international’s lack of effort.

“We brought in Callum Hudson-Odoi but I was not happy with his attitude, energy and counter-pressing. I took him off and we demand 100 percent,” Tuchel said.

“I feel he is not in the right shape to help us. I was not happy with his body language.

“It was a hard decision but tomorrow it is forgotten and he has all possibilities to start against Atletico Madrid,” Tuchel said, referring to the Champions League last 16 game on Tuesday.

Read AlsoEPL: Mason Mount earns Chelsea point against Southampton

Chelsea trailed to a first half goal from Japan star Takumi Minamino at St Mary’s.

Mason Mount came to the rescue as he won and converted the second half spot-kick that extended Tuchel’s unbeaten run to seven matches in all competitions since he replaced Frank Lampard in January.

Chelsea remain fourth in the Premier League after their run of five successive wins came to an end and they will fall out of the top four if West Ham beat Tottenham on Sunday.