Ahead of the end of the ongoing International friendlies, Eden Hazard reveals that he is willing to make sacrifices for manager Antonio Conte whose future at Stamford Bridge, hangs by a thread.
The Blues have not enjoyed the second half of the campaign, after sliding from the third position, as a result of consecutive defeats to Watford and Bournemouth. The club’s Carabao Cup and Champions League hopes were dashed as well after getting eliminated at the hands of Arsenal and Barcelona respectively.
Hazard was not impressed with Conte’s ploy of playing him as a False 9
Amidst all of this, there has been immense pressure on manager Antonio Conte, who managed to win the Premier League in his very first season. The story however has been different this campaign with negligent transfers and rows with the board, putting his future with the London club under jeopardy.
A player whose success has gone hand in hand with the Blues is Eden Hazard, who missed the initial phase of the season to recover from surgery. The Belgian, who is being headhunted by Real Madrid, has often expressed his displeasure this season and is yet to sign a contract extension with the club. The star criticized Conte’s tactic of playing him as a false-9, but has some encouraging words for the Italian manager ahead of the crucial clash against London rivals Tottenham.
Hazard is willing to play anywhere
The winger spoke to Sky Sports News ahead of Belgium’s fixture against Saudi Arabia where is expected to play a prominent role. Hazard revealed that the team always comes ahead of his favoured position and asserted that he wants to contribute to the team in any way possible. He said: “I just want to be on the pitch, Number 9, 10, I can play left-back if the manager wants, no problem. I just want to be on the pitch and try to give everything like I do every time.”
The 27-year-old also spoke about the recurring rumours surrounding his future at Stamford Bridge. Hazard stated: “I’m happy with Chelsea, I am just thinking about the end of the season and the World Cup. I have got two years left on my contract so I am just happy.”
Chelsea will play Tottenham at Stamford Bridge next in a crucial fixture that could determine their Champions League fate next season with only 8 more matches remaining in the Premier League.
Author’s Take:
The comments from Hazard seem highly surprising considering the rant he put out, after being very less involved as a False 9 against Manchester City. Although, it is good to see Hazard put the team first during the club’s tough times. With Morata ending his goal drought, and Giroud being available, it might be possible that Hazard’s days as a false 9 is over. The Chelsea fans would be relieved to hear Hazard being happy at Chelsea for the time being.
