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Zola reveals what manager Sarri really thinks of Chelsea transfer rebel Hudson-Odoi
GIANFRANCO ZOLA has issued a blunt warning to Callum Hudson-Odoi – to count himself lucky that he has had as many games at Chelsea as he has.
But he admits Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri remains a fan of the youngster.
Assistant manager Zola pledged that Hudson-Odoi will get more chances in the future – but still needs to do better.
Chelsea rejected three bids, the largest of around £35million, from Bayern Munich for Hudson-Odoi during the January transfer window.
They also turned down a transfer request from the England Under 17 World Cup winner, who had made it clear he wanted a move to the Bundesliga.
Maurizio likes him, the whole coaching group like him
Since the January widow closed though, manager Sarri has given the youngster just 19 minutes of action, 13 minutes in the 5-0 win over Huddersfield, and six on Thursday night in the 2-1 Europa Cup win against Malmo in Sweden.
Hudson-Odoi’s former England Under 17 Jadon Sancho, who left Manchester City to try his luck in the Bundesliga with Borussia Dortmund, has made 21 league appearances with 14 starts, scoring seven goals – but is seven months older.
And Zola insists Bayern Munich target Hudson-Odoi must be patient.
“Callum is always on the edge of the team. As soon as there is an opportunity, he plays," he said.
“Sometimes from the beginning. Sometimes he comes on.
“The manager is giving him plenty of reasons to feel involved and wanted.
"I want to stress this: there aren't many 18-year-olds in Europe playing as many games as he is. There might be one or two. He's playing.
“On top of that, he's a player we appreciate and we believe is growing up. He has a bright future in this club.
"Maurizio likes him, the whole coaching group like him.
Chelsea: Callum Hudson-Odoi will NOT be sold says Sarri
“People need to understand that he is surrounded by top players.
"You have to work hard to be better than them, and that's what we want.
"We want him to play but also keep improving. He can still do better than he's doing.”
Hudson-Odoi has made 13 appearances for Chelsea this season and six starts – but none in the Premier League.
Chelsea, who face Manchester United in the fifth round of the FA Cup on Monday night at Stamford Bridge, could have Ruben Loftus-Cheek available after a back problem.
The Stamford Bridge club, who are already facing possible partial stadium closure by Uefa after alleged anti-Semitic chanting by their fans at their last Europa League game at MOL Vidi, could be facing further disciplinary action – after Uefa announced they were opening investigations into throwing of objects by their fans at Malmo - and also pitch invasions.
Probable team: Arrizabalaga; Azpilicueta, Rudiger, Luiz, Alonso; Kante, Jorginho, Kovacic; Willian, Higuain, Hazard.