Frank Lampard defended Callum Hudson-Odoi from Chelsea fans’ reaction.
The 19-year-old has come into heavy criticism for not registering a single goal or assist in his last 13 appearances. Lampard has asked the Blues faithful to be patient with him but also warned the player about the consequences of not performing.
“I’ve not spoken to him about that (social media) but unfortunately with social media that’s par for the course,” Lampard said of Hudson-Odoi. “That doesn’t make it right or wrong – and obviously I’ve not seen it – but that’s something you have to have a very thick skin about. He is a young player who is 19 years of age, just. He’s had a lot of talk about him for different reasons.
“There’s been a big microscope on him. I think we have to give him time and patience with how young he is. I’ve got no problems with him, I think he did well against Arsenal when he came on.
“I think Chelsea fans are absolutely behind him. They want to see passion and all those things, so he needs to understand what is needed and be working on that constantly. But I back him, and we will work together on that.
“He’s signed a long contract here, but now he has to produce. I think it’s a lot to say ‘you must produce instantly, or you’ll have social media giving it to you’ – I will try and protect him from that.
“He needs to do a lot more, but he has the talent to do a lot more. Of all the conversations I’ve had with him over the last two weeks, and there has been a few, he understands what he needs to do on and off the pitch. I will stick with him.”
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