For all of his positive traits, there’s one thing about Maurizio Sarri that keeps rubbing Chelsea fans the wrong way. It’s not his lack of rotation, or his lack of versatility – it’s his lack of focus on the incredible quality available within the Chelsea academy.
Callum Hudson-Odoi has, of course, taken most of the headlines this season, but other players like Ethan Ampadu and even Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who admittedly is now 23-years-old, have received fewer minutes than most would have liked this term.
Unsurprisingly, this is something that has left Chelsea fans feeling very frustrated, and over on Twitter, many supporters have used Man Utd’s win over PSG to reinforce their point that the Blues can still be successful even with youngsters in the team.
Of course, Man Utd managed to miraculously overcome PSG on Wednesday evening thanks to a last minute penalty conversion from youth graduate Marcus Rashford. He was only one of a few young players on the pitch for Man Utd, though, with others including Scott McTominay and Tahith Chong also getting their chance.
Their presence was largely forced upon Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, given injury problems, but the fact that he trusted them in such a huge fixture says something. He could have probably made do with just utilising his older players – but he didn’t.
Chelsea fans on Twitter want Maurizio Sarri to learn his lesson from Man Utd’s success by offering more involvement to young players. See below:
https://twitter.com/kaysureboi/status/1103574100851769344
@ChelseaFC need to follow the @ManUtd footprint, not Roman’s dream to play like @FCBarcelona. Solskjaer to his credit put faith in kids, Sarri would never had done that it is not in our DNA. The time is for James, Ampadu, Hudson Odoi, RLC and Abraham to be given their chance.
— @neilpauthor. Want my CHELSEA back (@Neiltruechels) March 7, 2019
https://twitter.com/iqmalhisham/status/1103447196844740608
Look what the youth done for Man Utd while Sarri The Stubborn doesn’t want to trust them CHO will leave us because of this https://t.co/Q8uxxvhlrW
— Muse (@BSCGSM) March 6, 2019
Solskjaer bringing on Chong and Greenwood against PSG, away from home, in a Champions League knockout round, losing the tie. While, Sarri trying extremely hard to come up with a reason not to start the brightest English talent against Dynamo Kyiv. Levels. #UCL #UEL
— Manan (@MananCFC) March 7, 2019
Solskjaer brings on a 17 and 19-year-old during the last 15 minutes between United & Champions League elimination.
Can’t believe he’s putting so much pressure on a young English player…..
Show some faith sarri #CFC #CFC
— CFCEXPRESS (@CFCExpress) March 6, 2019
Solskjaer brought on a 19 and a 17 year old to make their UCL debuts v PSG at a time when they were desperate for a goal to go through to the next round.
Sarri can’t even confirm if Hudson-Odoi will play in a Europa Last 16 game v Kyiv at Stamford Bridge.
Take note Sarri
— Baasto (@baastojr) March 7, 2019
Only if Sarri can learn from Solskjaer stubborn smoker
— Black boy (@Fizzzy_) March 6, 2019
Sarri should learn something from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. When you give the youths a chance at the biggest stage they play without any fear, cause they don't have any reputation to protect, they play to seal their spot in the team.
— P (@ForeverBlue_07) March 7, 2019
https://twitter.com/CFCPys/status/1103416890398044161
https://twitter.com/sorcierbelge/status/1103411729474732033
Chelsea fans – will Callum Hudson-Odoi start tonight? Let us know by joining in the discussion below…
