Chelsea loanee Callum Hudson-Odoi has spoken on the frustrations he had under former boss Thomas Tuchel.
The 21-year-old was sidelined for much of last season due to injury, but soon made a recovery in time for the current campaign.
However when Chelsea faced Everton on the opening weekend of the Premier League, he was not included in the squad to face the Toffees.
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He has now left the club on loan for the season, moving to Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga.
Tuchel has also departed Chelsea, with the German being dismissed as head coach the morning after their 1-0 loss to Dinamo Zagreb.
Hudson-Odoi has now spoken on the frustration he faced under Tuchel, particularly when he was not in the squad for the Everton game.
“It was one of those difficult moments when you look at yourself and say, 'What am I doing wrong? Have I done anything wrong to not even be in the squad?',” he told the Daily Mail.
“I would never say anything bad about Thomas, he was a good guy, a good manager. (But) the first game of the season, it was frustrating.
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“Any footballer that isn't in the squad would understand how frustrating it is.
“Regular football gives you consistency and the more games you play, the more consistent you become, the more form starts to kick in.
“You feel fresher, you feel better, you feel like… not that you're getting treated fairly but that you've got the trust from the manager to push you and kick you on.
“You don't want to be on the bench thinking, 'Why am I not playing?' And then it becomes weeks and weeks and the legs are rusty when you do play.
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“The most important thing is consistent football. That's what I'm getting here and it's making me feel better.
“Right now, playing games, momentum is kicking on and you feel refreshed: new country, brand-new experience.
“It's definitely refreshing to know I get an opportunity to play games week in, week out, enjoying it and smiling!”
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Hudson-Odoi has made five appearances for Leverkusen so far this season, and he has already picked up an assist during his short time there.
His deal will last for the season but there is an option for him to be recalled back to Chelsea in January.
Leverkusen also do not have an option to buy him on a permanent deal at the end of the season.
Topics: Callum Hudson-Odoi, Thomas Tuchel, Chelsea
Robert Calcutt