Although he is not talking to Carlo Ancelotti, Belgian veteran Hazard also wants to play for Real Madrid next season. The forward said this in an exclusive interview with TV channel RTBF on Monday evening.
Hazard discusses relationship with Ancelotti: “We don’t talk to each other”
Hazard discussed various topics in conversation with the Belgian TV channel. For example, the 32-year-old attacker wants to stay in Madrid despite the lack of playing time. “I’ve always said that,” he responded to the rumors of a departure. “I hope to play and prove that I can still play football. It’s normal for people to have doubts. I understand that very well. But I see myself playing here next year. A transfer is not an option at the moment, but you never know.”
Hazard has only made seven appearances for Real this season, but his last appearance dates back to early January in the Spanish Cup tournament. And that gnaws at him, “When you feel important, you have confidence and you feel the support of the supporters. Then everything is easier.” He misses that feeling the most and it is difficult to break that negative spiral. “How do you get there? Play, have fun, make minutes, make mistakes, be successful, regain your self-confidence,” Eden remarks
However, that is difficult if the coach does not appeal to you. Ancelotti almost structurally ignores Hazard and the Italian coach also pays little attention to him off the field. Hazard reveals, “There is mutual respect, but I’m not going to say we talk to each other. Because we don’t. But the respect will always be there. Even if he doesn’t let me play anymore. I have to respect a man like Carlo Ancelotti, for what he represents in football and what he has achieved. There is no problem.”
Hazard accepts the situation, frustrating as it is, “I arrived under Zidane. Then Ancelotti came. There are other players who are playing well…. I accept the situation, but I am working hard to change it. Training is good, but we live for playing games. Deep down I hope the coach is still counting on me. I’ll see if I can still play before the end of the season. It’s up to me to show during training that he can count on me.”
Ancelotti responds to Hazard
The Italian coach responded to the statements that Eden Hazard previously made about their relationship. The Belgian confessed that he never actually speaks to his coach. The manager admits, “Hazard has been honest and it is true that we don’t talk much. But that’s not important. He respects me as much as I respect him. Our relationship is not cold. But he plays less because there is a lot of competition, for example from Vinícius.”
