Chelsea FC: Roy Keane is spot on about Eden Hazard

Roy Keane is spot on with his criticism of Chelsea FC star Eden Hazard’s attitude

It is safe to say that Eden Hazard is not going to win the Premier League Player of the Year award for the second year in a row this season. The young Belgian was Chelsea’s driving force towards a domestic double but has struggled to make much of an impact this season. In fact his only goal came from a penalty against MK Dons in the FA Cup when the match was already well in hand for the Blues.

If this was simply a dip in form caused by injury or nothing at all then Chelsea fans might be more forgiving. What seems to be the case however is that Hazard’s attitude is what has impacted his performance on the pitch. There were reports that he returned to the club out of shape after his summer holiday and was unhappy with his treatment under Jose Mourinho.

Many supporters believe that Hazard was one of the players who had “sabotaged” Mourinho and prematurely ended his second reign at the club. Hazard has tried to win back their support by kissing the badge after his goal against MK Dons but his recent comments have caused more unneeded controversy.

Former Manchester United midfielder and pundit Roy Keane criticized Hazard for his attitude and comments and said:

"“I can’t understand these players, he signed an extension of five years only last year, when we saw how brilliant he was… and then he’s coming out with all that nonsense on the eve of a big game. If I was a team-mate of his I would kick him up and down the training pitch. Some of the senior players have got to get hold of him. He’s a talented boy, but his attitude is like a spoilt child. It was absolutely ridiculous.You don’t mind some players sometimes being moody, or having their head turned if they think they might be moving, but once you go on that pitch you’ve still got your pride. You’re playing for your team-mates, for your club, for your supporters, for your family. You’ve got to go out and perform, and be moody after the game if need be.”Source: Daily Mail"

Keane may be a bit angrier than your average pundit but he makes an excellent point. On the eve of a crucial match against PSG, the same club that ended Chelsea FC’s Champions League hopes last year, Hazard has the nerve to say that it would be hard to turn down a move there. He tried to clarify that he meant it only because they were such a good side and are capable of winning the Champions League so that was worthy of praise.

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It was a poor decision and an immature move by a player that was once thought of as mature for his age. Even if he is angling for a move to another club that will be in the Champions League, the day before a match against that same side is not the time and place to do so.

The issue, as Keane pointed out, is the lack of professionalism shown by Hazard. He has played well enough since his return from injury but has yet to make the sort of impact on a match that has convinced Chelsea fans that he is truly dedicated to the cause of the club.

Perhaps the issue is the lack of senior leadership at the club. Chelsea’s dressing room used to be lead by the likes of Drogba, Frank Lampard, Petr Cech, and John Terry. Professionalism was not just expected, it was demanded. Now Terry is the lame duck captain and the only other senior members of the squad are Branislav Ivanovic and Gary Cahill.

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Both have been loyal servants to the club but they are clearly fighting a losing battle against the immaturity and unprofessional attitudes lingering in the dressing room. Whatever Chelsea does in the offseason one thing is clear, there is no substitute for true veteran leadership and Eden Hazard’s recent comments and attitude are a glaring example of that.

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