It is not always that clubs would bask in the failure of their top players in crucial games in the course of a season, but the status quo of Eden Hazard’s future means Chelsea can afford a smile through these dark times when the Belgium international does not produce spectacles against a top foe.
Hazard has made his wishes clear to Chelsea that he wants to leave for Real Madrid next summer when Los Blancos come calling. His frankness about his future has awoken some urgency at the club and its top officials are suddenly stepping up their efforts to get Hazard to sign a new contract.
The player has been flirting in public with Real as he thinks he can have a real chance of winning the Ballon d’Or there. His talent and ability cannot be underestimated but his relatively poor display against Manchester United will remind Hazard he has a lot to learn under Maurizio Sarri and needs to keep his head down, instead of pushing for a move he might regret in years to come. More importantly for Chelsea, a few more games like this in the season might just dissuade the Santiago Bernabeu faithful from going all in for him.
As much as we all believe Hazard is Real Madrid quality, he needs to slow down on his superciliousness and focus on helping the Blues win a trophy or two this season.
