- Eden Hazard criticises Jose Mourinho’s defensive tactics
- Says he’s often expected to create chances
Eden Hazard has been Chelsea’s bright aspect this season, but his mistakes allowed Atletico Madrid to score two of the three goals on Wednesday night.
Chelsea suffered disappointment in the Champions League semi-final once again and the fallout has been dramatic with a lot of criticism. Hazard’s statements after the match has been the most high profile amongst them. Hazard has questioned José Mourinho’s tactics and Chelsea style of play following this defeat. He said:
“Chelsea aren’t set up to play football. Chelsea are set up to counter-attack – a little bit like Real against Bayern.
“I don’t know what we lacked. After scoring, we had the game in our hands. Maybe they wanted it more than we did.”
These are some strong words indeed. It could have serious implications in the coming months.
Hazard has become a favourite player for Jose Mourinho and he has been used in almost every match when he is fit. The 23-year-old Belgian says that Chelsea are perhaps over reliant on him. He continued:
“Often, I’m asked to do it all by myself and it’s not easy. It was a complicated game. It will be a lesson for us regarding next year.”
Mourinho has always tried to maintain his authority within the squad and Hazard’s (even though it may have been misinterpreted in translation) statements certainly challenge that.
Paris St Germain are showing a keen interest in the Chelsea star. Such comments could only motivate them to make an offer in the summer.
Mourinho has to go back to the drawing board and start thinking about playing a little more attacking football. Hazard is well within his means to expect it.
Not sure he said anything particularly controversial really, you need to put more emphasis on his comment we need to improve for next season. And of course we play more like real Madrid their in the final you know.