Hazard: Play me in the hole or I am off

Chelsea have finally wielded the axe on their 10th manager since 2003. 16 games into the premier league season and they sit 16th, 1 point above the relegation zone. The disastrous start to Chelsea’s title defence can be attributed to the poor form of the entire squad but in particular, Eden Hazard. Last season, the PFA player of the year set the standards so high for himself and it is now proving difficult for him to live up to what people have come to expect of him.  Hazard’s poor form has led to a lot of criticism from Jose, and the Belgian is certainly not happy.

It has been reported that Hazard and Mourinho had a heated conversation after the 2-0 home win over Aston Villa back in October. Mourinho was quoted as saying ‘I left out Hazard because we are conceding lots of goals’. Hazard then confronted Mourinho and told the Portuguese that he either plays him in a more free role or as a number 10 and that he wants to focus more on his attacking rather than the defensive aspect of the game.

Since then Mourinho has played Eden only once behind the striker and insisted that he is a winger rather than a number 10. Clearly, Hazard has not been happy and his performances reflect his mood.

More than anything, it has also led to a lot of speculation in Real Madrid over buying the unsettled playmaker this January. It has been known for a long time that Real Madrid Castilla coach Zinedine Zidane holds the Belgian in high regards, and should an opportunity arise, the Spanish giants would be quick to act. However with a change of management, there is still a possibility that Hazard regains his magic touch and lead Chelsea to Champions League glory and finally decide to stay put.