Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti opens up on his decision to play Vinicius Jr over Eden Hazard

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti recently gave a statement on Belgian star Eden Hazard which led to a lot of controversies. The Italian clearly stated that Hazard can be a superstar at Madrid but he does not prefer him over someone like a Vinicius Junior.

Ancelotti highlighted how Hazard is fit to play in different systems and is an excellent talent. But considering his injuries the Italian tactician prefers other players. However, Ancelotti is hopeful that he will gradually introduce him and by playing more and more minutes he will return to his best.

“He can play 4-3-3 on the left or 4-4-2 above or behind the striker. He is ready to play, but the problem is that there is a coach who prefers another player. He does not have a star status at Madrid because he has had many injuries and little by little he will have his best version,” the Real Madrid manager said when he was asked about Hazard’s fitness status.

“I am sure that this season we will see his best version and that he will play more than he is doing now. Hazard has it. Everything: quality, motivation. He has to endure, what happens is that sometimes the coach prefers other players, ” Ancelotti continued.

The former Chelsea star was an unused substitute as Los Blancos defeated FC Barcelona 2-1 in the El Clasico. He has only featured in seven games this season with only four starts. He has only started in one of Real Madrid’s three games in the Champions League.

Since his move from Chelsea, it has not been a smooth sailing journey for the Belgium international. He has struggled with persistent injury problems and never really got going. The injuries have curtailed his journey at Santiago Bernebauuas he has only managed 51 appearances over two seasons.

While Hazard was all set for a fresh start, he has only managed a single assist from eight appearances this season. There were rumours that Hazard was surplus to requirements at Madrid and they were planning to sell the Belgian star as they look to make way for French sensation Kylian Mbappe.

While there were links back to Chelsea, Hazard rubbished all rumours of him leaving Spain. He reiterated that he wants to establish himself as a player in Real Madrid.