Frank Lampard wants to shield Callum Hudson-Odoi from social media criticism to help the England forward rediscover top form at Chelsea.
Teen star Hudson-Odoi struggled in Chelsea’s 2-0 home loss to Southampton on Boxing Day, in his first start since October.
The 19-year-old was trolled on social media in the wake of that lacklustre loss, but put in a brighter cameo in Sunday’s 2-1 Premier League win at Arsenal.
Last term Bayern Munich pressed hard to prise Hudson-Odoi away from Stamford Bridge before the Blues academy product eventually signed a long-term deal to stay in west London.
Asked if the hype around a possible switch to Germany could be causing Hudson-Odoi problems now, Lampard said: “I’m not sure but if that is the case I think that will quite quickly be put to bed.
“He signed a really long contract here, he wants to be here, we’re happy with him but now he has to produce.
“Maybe we’re asking too much from him at 19.
“But his consistency needs to be how he works, how he trains every day and how much pressure he puts on me to put him in the team.
“From all the conversations I’ve had with over the last few weeks, and I’ve had a few, he understands what he needs to do on and off the pitch. And I will certainly stick with him.”
