Chelsea FC: 5 reasons why Eden Hazard will stay with Blues next season
3. Manager Antonio Conte
Eden Hazard likes Chelsea manager Antonio Conte. Antonio Conte likes Eden Hazard. It’s a match made in heaven right.
Chelsea have been in unstoppable form under manager Antonio Conte and Hazard believes that the Italian has also helped change the atmosphere at the club after their bleak and grim season under Jose Mourinho.
"‘It is always a difficult to come back after a bad season, but the boss changed something and tried to give us more confidence. ‘This is the best moment for me at this club since I’ve been here. I’m happy.’"
Hazard also states his admiration for the manager:
"“Fantastic manager. He gives the spirit to the team. Of course, we have worked a lot and hard. But if that’s the key to winning games, we will work hard. For me, it is a privilege to play with this manager, and I hope we can achieve something together."
It’s crucial for a players success that he is happy. And it’s crucial that a player likes their manager to gain that happiness. Eden Hazard has been successful this season because he’s happy.
There is no reason to risk losing that happiness at his age to go to Real Madrid. Perhaps in a few years? Maybe. But not next season.
Additionally, he’s happy that he’s been given a new position by Antonio Conte. Hazard is now playing in a central role where he has freedom to roam. Much like Mata’s old position. The number 10 role suits Hazard and his link-up play has been superb with Pedro and Costa.
"“I am more central now. I like it when I am in the middle, I am closer to the ball. The manager wants me to pass, to make assists, create chances and I do more because I think the position is more central and I don’t ask all the time for the ball at my feet."
The change of position proved to be a masterstroke by Conte and it could prove to be a contributing factor as to why Hazard will stay. Hazard will want to continue in this role and he feels important to the team.
More from Chelsea FC
- Tuchel has eyes on Chelsea’s Trevoh Chalobah
- Permanent move of Cobham graduate Lewis Hall to Newcastle United
- Chelsea are not pleased with the Lukaku-Vlahović swap deal
- Chelsea joins the race against Liverpool for Romeo Lavia
- Blues select Reece James as captain and Chilwell is new vice-captain
If Hazard went to Real Madrid, he would likely not be given the number 10 role and he may even have to sit on the bench in some games. Real Madrid have Ronaldo, Bale and Benzema up front. Where does Hazard fit?
If Hazard goes to Real Madrid he risks becoming another James Rodriguez who clearly has talent but sits on the bench in every game for Real Madrid.
Antonio Conte has also stated his admiration for Eden Hazard and said he’s priceless.
"“Is he priceless to Chelsea? I think Eden is for sure a great player, a top player. “He is at a very high level. But I don’t see the problem because we don’t want to sell him. He hasn’t got a price now.”"