Ancelotti on Hazard: He was right, we don’t talk to each other. He’s not playing because we have Vinícius

What’s it like between Eden Hazard and Carlo Ancelotti? The Italian coach confirmed the Belgian striker’s words that they are not speaking. And he also explained why he doesn’t get on the pitch at all.

Eden Hazard has been a ‘persona non grata’ at Real Madrid for some time now. This season he has played only 4% of the possible minutes. He has only played in three games in La Liga.

Hazard put the nail in the coffin on 3 January when he got a chance in the cup against Cacereño in the Quarter-League, but he was the worst on the pitch. He hasn’t been on the pitch for a minute since.

In an interview with RTBF Sport yesterday, Hazard let it be known, among other things, that there is respect between him and Ancelotti, but that they don’t speak to each other.

At today’s press conference ahead of Wednesday’s game against Liverpool, the Italian coach confirmed those words.

“He was honest, it’s true that we don’t speak much. But the most important thing for me is that he still respects me, as I respect him,” Ancelotti concluded the situation.

He also explained why he doesn’t get on the pitch. “He is not playing because he has a lot of competition and in his position on the left wing is Vinicius, who is playing great,” said Ancelotti.

And he’s right. Vinícius has played 94% of all possible minutes in La Liga and has been in the starting line-up in 96% of games. He has 19 goals and 9 assists in all competitions.

If he happens to be unavailable, the second choice at left wing is Rodrygo, who otherwise plays on the right side, on the tip or underneath, but is most comfortable on the left. And ahead of Hazard in the hierarchy is also Marco Asensio, who has a 7+5 record.

Source: MARCA, Real Madrid