CHELSEA fans have started a #WeSupportCHO campaign in support of Callum Hudson-Odoi after the winger was trolled for his display in the defeat to Southampton.
A section of the Blues fanbase demanded that the England star be sold after he gave the ball away for the Saints’ opener in the 2-0 loss.
Callum Hudson-Odoi has been backed to turn his form around at ChelseaCredit: Rex Features
The game at Stamford Bridge was the 19-year-old’s first start since October, having made a fast recovery from a torn Achilles tendon in April.
Manager Frank Lampard said: “I thought he put in a lot of effort; he was trying things and making runs.
“It wasn’t quite coming off for him in the first half, and overall in fact.
“He’s coming off the back of a big injury and this is certainly a period where we have to stick with him through that.”
However the harsh criticism from some Chelsea fans after the game have seemed to dented Hudson-Odoi’s confidence as he searches for a return to form.
And according to the Athletic, he is aware of the online abuse he has been receiving and has been seeking reassurances from teammates.
But dedicated fan website the Chelsea Echo has since launched the ‘WeSupportCHO’ hashtag as a show of support for the club starlet.
He’s coming off the back of a big injury and this is certainly a period where we have to stick with him through that
Frank Lampard on Callum Hudson-Odoi
One tweeted: “CHO will be a success story. He has the right people in his corner. He’s a 19 yr old boy thats a football phenom.
“He’s going through a tough spell but he will get over it! Frank already came out and said that he has faith in CHO and will keep displaying it! #WeSupportCHO.”
Another said: “He’s so young and as a Chelsea fan we must have the responsibility to support him and hopefully he sees the good side of the fanbase.”
A third added: “#WeSupportCHO is a nice idea.. but I think it should go much wider than that to…#WeSupportPlayersBecauseWeAreSupporters.
“The constant player abuse on here is one of the most draining and irritating blights to modern football. Are these ppl really fans?”
Hudson-Odoi, a one-time target for Bayern Munich, put an end to the speculation by signing a new long-term deal with Chelsea in September.
And Lampard added: “He’s very young, there was a lot of talk last year about his contract, would he or wouldn’t he sign it, and now he has.
“And now he’s in a period where he has to get his head down and work, and he knows that, to show what he can be for this club. It’s down to him now.
“And I showed faith with him and I’ll continue to do that, but we also have to go with him a bit.
“I’ve sat here and probably been a bit harsh on him at times, but now is not the moment to do that because I think I saw an effort and desire, and I’ve seen it in training in the last couple of weeks.”
Chelsea confirm new five-year deal for Callum Hudson-Odoi worth £150,000-a-week
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
