Sarri defiant on Hudson-Odoi and Jorginho

Maurizio Sarri defended Jorginho and again called for Callum Hudson-Odoi to be patient after Chelsea’s Europa League win against Malmo.

Hudson-Odoi, finally given a starting place by Sarri, scored as the Blues won 3-0 at Stamford Bridge and 5-1 on aggregate to book their place in the last 16.

Chelsea struggled before Olivier Giroud’s sixth European goal of the season broke the deadlock 10 minutes into the second half.

Ross Barkley netted with a free-kick and Hudson-Odoi added a late third – much to the delight of the home fans, who are keen for the 18-year-old to be given a run in the side.

Under-pressure head coach Sarri said Hudson-Odoi “played very well” but reiterated that the likes of Eden Hazard, Willian and Pedro are currently above him in the pecking order.

Sarri said: “We have Pedro, Willian and Hazard and it’s not easy for a young player to play with consistency.

“I want to remind you that Callum has played 14 matches. There isn’t in England another player (of a similar age) with 14 matches in the first team. I think we are using him in the right way.

“The club must decide because, if I am at the club and want Callum on the pitch, I must sell another winger or the manager is in trouble.”

Chelsea were poor in the opening half an hour and Sarri admitted that “it will be a disaster” if his side perform similarly in Sunday’s Carabao Cup final against Manchester City, who recently hammered them 6-0.

And he also suggested it underlined the importance of Jorginho, who was booed by some fans as he came on as a substitute.

Sarri’s faith in Jorginho as the midfield anchor is seen by many Chelsea supporters as a major reason for recent dismal results, particularly as N’Golo Kante has been moved into a more advanced position.

Asked about the booing of Jorginho, Sarri said: “I think in the first 30 minutes we understood why Jorginho is important for the team.

“We were in trouble to exit from our half and with Jorginho it’s easier. I hope our fans will be able to understand that he is very important for us.”