Guus Hiddink says Eden Hazard wants to stay at Chelsea
Chelsea boss thinks club are due big rebuilding job before next season
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Interim Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink has admitted he has spoken to Eden Hazard following his performance against PSG and demanded an improvement from the Belgian international.
Hazard was the PFA player of the season last year, his form driving Chelsea to the Premier League title, however this campaign has been a disaster for the winger who drew strong criticism for admitting that a move to Paris would be difficult to refuse, only days before his first leg clash against the French champions.
Hiddink, who suffered only his second ever defeat, in two spells as Chelsea manager, against PSG on Tuesday, hoped to see a marked improvement from Hazard over the rest of the season.
"It is not just attitude because he was in a difficult situation, but he has to step up. We have talks with him, although I don’t like the talks to take hours, but small conversations to take him to the next level, which is what he wishes.
"Sometimes we see what he is able to do. We hope to see the old Hazard more frequently. He can show more, he is aware of that. Now it is up to him.
"I asked him about the (Paris Saint-Germain) situation but he is very keen to be here. He has extended his contract, he and his family are happy here so there is no sign to say he is eager to leave.
"He is happy and we don’t want to give too much attention to this, but he likes to step up as well."
Chelsea's temporary boss, speaking ahead of their FA Cup tie against Manchester City, also believes that the club face a big rebuilding job if they are to return to the top of the European game.
"It’s not a small job. Everyone, in terms of the weakness of the squad, must react accordingly to make the squad stronger next season — that’s not a small job.
"If you see the potential of those clubs (Barcelona, Real and Bayern), it’s huge. To be honest PSG have a very strong team, they can (pick from) 15, 16 or 17 international players.
"We had youngsters on the bench against PSG. I am not scared to bring them in, but in the long run you need a very experienced bench.
"I am here in the interim period, but the people who are here every day, every week and stuff, have the longer vision of what is needed. They are in charge so that they can do that."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments