Hazard’s inconsistency stems from the fact that he hasn’t played more than 18 games in any of his three seasons in Spain due to injury.
Despite starting the season in the Real Madrid reserves once again, head coach Carlo Ancelotti is optimistic that Belgium striker Eden Hazard will still make an impact at the club.
The 99.85 million dollar transfer from Chelsea to Real Madrid in 2019 has so far resulted in only six goals and eight assists in 66 appearances. Hazard played the final 33 minutes of Real’s season opener at Almeria off the bench, missed a penalty, played only eight minutes against Celta Vigo, and did not take part on Sunday against Espanyol.
You don’t have to ask that every week; he’s OK. Ancelotti said at a press conference before Saturday’s season-opening home game against Real Betis that “he is working well” and that “I don’t think only three matches are sufficient to come to any judgment.” I have faith that his involvement will be more significant than it was last year.
The door appears to be shutting on Hazard with the emergence of younger players like Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo, and Federico Valverde and the retention of veterans like Marco Asensio and Mariano Diaz.
Still, Ancelotti felt confident that the 31-year-old had something to contribute to the team this year. The Italian manager emphasized the importance of game selection and performance over total game time. “Even guys who don’t get a lot of playing time might end up being game-changers. The success from the previous year was largely attributable to players in comparable positions.
Real Madrid, the defending LaLiga champions, and Real Betis, their opponents on Saturday, are the only two teams to start the new season undefeated (3-0-0). We want to be more passionate and aggressive in our first home game, but we don’t want to change our game dynamics or our identity,” Ancelotti said.
Betis are having a good run right now; they’re playing well and with confidence. However, we’re doing fine. With games starting every three days, the season has officially begun, and I feel confident in our team’s preparedness.
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