eden danger He has said that he and coach Carlo Ancelotti “do not talk” about the striker’s lack of playing time at Real Madrid.
Hazard, 32, has made just one La Liga start and two substitute appearances this season, in August and September, despite Ancelotti’s suggestions that he would appear more regularly as a substitute for Karim Benzema.
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The forward retired from international football in December after Belgium’s disappointing elimination in the group stage of the World Cup in Qatar.
“There is respect between us. But I’m not going to say that (Ancelotti and I) talk, because we don’t.” Hazard told Belgian broadcaster RTBF. “But there will always be respect. Even if tomorrow no longer chooses me.
“I have to have respect for a guy like Carlo Ancelotti. In terms of what he represents for football, what he has done in his career. No problem.”
Hazard joined Real Madrid from Chelsea in a €100m deal in July 2019, but has never reached his Premier League form in Spain, with a series of ankle problems and related injuries hampering his progress. .
Despite his lack of football this season, Hazard has said he intends to finish his contract at Madrid, which expires in June 2024.
“I would like to stay, I have always said it”, danger said. “Waiting to play. I’m waiting for one thing, to be on the field to show that I still know how to play football. People doubt me, it’s normal. I understand it very well. But for me, I’m still here next year. A transfer won’t It’s on the agenda, but you never know.
“What can make me change my mind? I don’t know. The only thing I think about is playing. That’s why I don’t even think about leaving. Deep down I think I can contribute something. I’m sorry. If I do a little, people will trust again on me. They could tell themselves they made a mistake by leaving me out. I just need minutes on my legs.”
Asked about Hazard’s comments at Tuesday’s press conference, Ancelotti replied: “The relationship is not cold. Look. We have to assess two things. Hazard has been very honest. We don’t talk a lot, I don’t talk a lot with him. but talking is also of character, if you get along better with one person or another.
“It’s the same with your children, you can talk more with one child than with another. That’s not the most important thing, the important thing for me is that even though I don’t play much, he respects me and I value that. a lot, and I respect him in exactly the same way, that’s the most important thing to me.
“He is not playing because there is a lot of competition, he has a player in that position who is doing a lot right now, which is Vinicius.”
Ancelotti also hinted that he is prepared to continue working with Hazard next season.
Real Madrid play Liverpool in their Champions League round of 16 second leg on Wednesday (Hazard was an unused substitute in their 5-2 first-leg win at Anfield) before LaLiga del Sunday. classic with barcelona
Ancelotti also confirmed that Karim Benzema he will be available to play against the Premier League side after missing Saturday’s win over Espanyol.