Jose Mourinho has launched an attack on Eden Hazard, claiming the forward is not a team player.
Hazard made his comeback from a calf injury in Wednesday night’s Champions League semi finals defeat against Atletico Madrid.
After the clash, Hazard told French TV: ‘Chelsea aren’t set up to play football. Chelsea are set up to counter-attack.’
His comments have since been interpreted as a criticism of Mourinho’s tactics.
And the Chelsea manager, whilst insisting Hazard’s comments were not meant to be disparaging, made clear he was less than impressed with the Belgian’s contribution.
‘Normally you get this kind of comment from players like him: from players who can’t resolve a problem like we had with the first goal,’ said Mourinho.
‘Against Atletico in Madrid, Willian played on the left side and Ashley Cole was protected all game.
‘Against Liverpool, [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][Andre] Schurrle played on the left and a dangerous player like Glen Johnson was completely under control.
‘Eden is the kind of player who is not so mentally ready to look back at his left-back and lives his life for him.
‘If you see Atletico’s first goal, you understand where the mistake was and why we conceded that goal.
‘Do I want him to change? No, I just say the perfect team at the top level cannot make this kind of mistake.
‘Normally, in this game, if you go to half-time winning 1-0, the game is another game.
‘Atletico have to chase the game and we, with stability, have conditions for more.
‘When the comments come from a player like Eden, it’s normal. He’s not the kind of player ready to sacrifice himself 100 per cent for the team and his mates.
‘I’m not happy (a player doesn’t sacrifice himself), and I’ve spoken all season and I’ve tried to improve him.’
[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]
