Maurizio Sarri says Chelsea would have to sell one of their established wingers in order to satisfy Callum Hudson-Odoi's desire for immediate first-team action.
Teenage prospect Hudson-Odoi has grown restless at Stamford Bridge and handed in a January transfer request amid offers from German champions Bayern Munich.
The 18-year-old, who has yet to start a Premier League match, seized a rare opportunity by scoring the Blues' final goal in Thursday's 3-0 Europa League victory over Swedish club Malmo, wrapping up a 5-1 aggregate success.
But manager Sarri called for patience, explaining that he would need to allow Pedro, Willian or Eden Hazard to depart to accommodate Hudson-Odoi now.
"You need to understand that, in the same position, we have Pedro, Willian and Hazard," said Sarri.
"I want to remind you that Callum, with this one (against Malmo), played 14 matches.
"There isn't in England another 18-year-old player with 14 matches in the first team. So I think that we are using him in the right way at the moment.
"Of course, the 20 matches this season will be 30 matches in the next, and 40 in two years.
"If I am at the club and I want Callum to play consistently, I have to sell another winger. Otherwise the manager is in trouble."
Chelsea were unimpressive during a dour opening period against Malmo, before second-half strikes from Olivier Giroud, Ross Barkley and Huson-Odoi prevented further pressure being heaped on Sarri.
The Italian has come under increased scrutiny in west London having dropped to sixth in the league and with some Blues fans joining in with chants for him to be sacked during Monday's FA Cup loss to Manchester United.
He has little time to enjoy progression to the last 16 in Europe as his team are set to contest Sunday's Carabao Cup final with Manchester City attempting to avenge a 6-0 humiliation at the Etihad Stadium a fortnight ago.
