Chelsea need to win the Premier League title to keep Eden Hazard
Second place would likely cost Chelsea Eden Hazard
Chelsea missing out on this season’s Premier League title could cost them dearly. In fact, it could cost the Blues the services of Eden Hazard. The Belgian attacker is a significant flight risk if Antonio Conte’s club falters down the stretch.
The Belgian attacker is already start to talk like a player who could be leaving England this summer. He recently told Telefoot that he “may also have personal ambitions to play in other clubs.” That admission should have warning bells ringing all around Stamford Bridge.
Remember, it isn’t as if Hazard hasn’t already won a Premier League title at Chelsea. He managed that feat during Jose Mourinho’s reign. It’s easy to forget that little detail given how things ended for The Special One. My point is that Hazard doesn’t need to stick around at Stamford Bridge to experience that sort of success.
Instead, Hazard has his heights set on bigger prizes. Winning the Premier League again would be nice, but his ambitions are set on trying to win the Champions League. Conte and Chelsea need to show him they are the best opportunity he’ll have to achieve that sort of glory. If they can’t hold Tottenham off in this season’s title race, it will be difficult for anyone at Chelsea to make that claim.
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In sharp contrast, a club like Real Madrid or Bayern Munich would easily be able to say they are legitimate contenders for Europe’s grandest prize. They are, after all, still involved in Champions League play at the moment.
Undoubtedly, many Chelsea fans reading this piece are currently convincing themselves that Hazard truly loves the shirt. In truth, I believe he does enjoy playing for the Blues. He legitimately seems to get along with his teammates and his manager. Also, winning is fun. Chelsea have done plenty of that with Hazard’s help.
None of that will engender a long-term sense of loyalty with Hazard though. He’s looking to become the best football player he can be. Part of that is establishing the most substantial legacy possible. He could easily decide moving to another European power will give him the chance to add more trophies. More trophies, equals bigger legacy.
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Chelsea still are squarely in the driver’s seat to win this year’s Premier League title, but they have a lot on the line. Failing to win England’s biggest prize could cost them England’s best player this summer.