Thomas Tuchel explains Callum Hudson-Odoi's substitution

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has said that Callum Hudson-Odoi's surprise substitution was a tactical decision made by him.

Hudson-Odoi came on as a half-time substitute at St Mary's side, but he only played 30 minutes before he was taken off.

Initially, there were suggestions that he had picked up an injury but that clearly has not been the case.

Speaking in the post-match press conference, Tuchel said that he was unimpressed with the forward's energy and counter-pressing.

"For that you need to be totally on and totally sharp for counter-pressing and I did not feel that from Callum today," he told via Chelseafc.com.

"He missed some opportunities for counter-pressing, he lost some easy balls. I had the feeling he was never really into the game."

Hudson-Odoi has been a regular under Tuchel but the German has clearly sent a message that every player must earn his position.

The Blues settled for a frustrating 1-1 draw against the Saints. They could lose the fourth spot, if West Ham United beat Tottenham Hotspur tomorrow.