After replacing the forward during his first Real Madrid start since January, Carlo Ancelotti has come out to defend Eden Hazard performance.
The Belgian was chosen to start up front for Madrid’s match against Mallorca on Sunday with frontman, Karim Benzema, injured.
🔄 59′ | 1-1 | Double substitution: @lukamodric10 ↔️ @hazardeden10@nachofi1990 ↔️ @ferland_mendy#RealMadridRCDMallorca | #HankookTire pic.twitter.com/YTJIJ3GVyg
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) September 11, 2022
However, he struggled to make an impact, subbed out with the team tying 1-1, with Madrid going on to win 4-1 without him.
Hazard had been impressive in Tuesday’s 3-0 victory over Celtic for Madrid before this poor display. The Belgian came on in place of Benzema and scored in the 77th minute, his seventh goal since joining the club in 2019.
Benzema is expected to be available for the Madrid derby on Sunday, as his hamstring injury is not considered serious. If the Frenchman is fit, the Madrid no. 7 is unlikely to start that game, but he might play against RB Leipzig on Wednesday.
What Did Ancelotti Say About Hazard?
Speaking after the match, Carlo Ancelotti said: “It’s better to use Rodrygo as a nine with Valverde rather than just Hazard.
🎙| Ancelotti: “Hazard and Ceballos? Dani was good, more involved in the game. Eden tried to do what I asked him. A positive game from both.”
— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) September 11, 2022
Trending Stories: Champions League Match Moved To Wednesday Amid Security Concerns
“We had difficulties not because Hazard was there, but because the other positions weren’t occupied by the others. Hazard can play as a false nine.”
“I mean having Rodrygo and Valverde as a pair was better than having just one focal point with the way Mallorca played.”
COMMENTS