Thomas Tuchel has insisted Chelsea starlet Callum Hudson-Odoi needs some tough love if he is to realise his potential.
The 20-year-old was a core part of Tuchel's squad in the early days of his reign but has seen his minutes drastically reduced in recent months, with the boss challenging Hudson-Odoi to work on his consistency.
He took a good step towards that by netting once and forcing an own goal in Saturday's 7-0 mauling of Norwich City, after which Tuchel explained his tough man-management strategy for the youngster.
"He needs that," Tuchel said (via the club's official website). "These guys who are so full of quality hear sometimes a bit too often how good they are, but you need to prove it, to show it, and for the offensive guys it is easy - just read statistics and deliver assists and goals.
"This is what he does and what he needs to show. This is the highest level in England, this is the highest level in Europe so we are hopefully not unfair but we are tough on him, because it's not enough with this talent just to be a part of the group.
"We are also very aware we are maybe a bit unfair and play him too often as a right wing-back where he cannot show his full potential. We are aware of that so it’s always a mix and at the moment, we think that we find a way to push him to the limits and this can change from week to week."
Hudson-Odoi also revealed Tuchel's message to him, admitting he is relishing the challenge of proving himself to a new manager.
“It was just to keep putting in the intensity, and keep working hard and going forward and being direct - be myself," he said (via the Evening Standard). "And try to create as many opportunities as possible, try to score. Be decisive in the box.
“It was good the sort of instructions that he gave to me, playing in that position - to be free, to do what you do, and try to make things happen. It was very influential for me. It was good.
“You have got to prove it to yourself as well, keep on doing your stuff. When you are playing, every game, you have got to show yourself and show how capable you are of playing and doing it every game, show consistency and put in a good performance to show that you are worthy of playing in the team.”
Source : 90min