Giroud urges Sarri to give Hudson-Odoi more game time and says England are lucky to have Chelsea winger
The Frenchman gave the young winger his backing as their manager appeared to hint at more game time
OLIVIER GIROUD told Maurizio Sarri he should give Callum Hudson-Odoi more game time at Chelsea.
The French striker made the comments after the young winger impressed on his first Premier League start against Brighton on Wednesday.
The 18-year-old set up Giroud for Chelsea's opening goal as they swept the Seagulls aside 3-0 at Stamford Bridge.
Giroud, 32, is clearly impressed by the youngster and made it clear when he spoke to BBC Sport after the game.
He said: "I'm not surprised (about Hudson-Odoi), he's improving and he's got huge potential.
"I'm sure he will become a top top player."
He needs to play in more games
Olivier Giroud on Callum Hudson-Odoi
After lavishing praise on the Englishman, Giroud sent a message to his manager.
He said: "He needs to play in more games.
"He's a good player and a good man in the dressing room.
"England can be happy to have him."
Despite initial hesitance, Sarri finally looks to have softened his stance on Hudson-Odoi's place in the team.
He said: "After 50 matches, it's very difficult to play every three days, we needed to change.
"We're lucky because Callum is doing very well.
"He played very well and defended very well.
"He has improved during the season a lot and he's ready to play 90 minutes in very important matches."
Chelsea face West Ham at Stamford Bridge on Monday night as they look to keep the pressure on Tottenham in the league.