Sunday’s humiliating El Classico drubbing has all but secured Real Madrid manager Julen Lopetegui’s fate, and reports suggest that Antonio Conte will take over at the Bernabeu.
Chelsea fans are understandably happy about the news, and not just because it might piss off Thibaut Courtois. Why? Because the appointment of the former Blues boss could dissuade Eden Hazard from pushing for a move in the summer.
The 27-year-old Belgian has always been open about his desire to play for Madrid, but the in-form forward didn’t enjoy the greatest of seasons last year under Conte. There was a reported breakdown in the Italian manager's relationship with his squad, and he often appeared apathetic in post-match interviews.
According to Marca, Hazard was one of the players who suffered a disconnect with the coach, and it's said that he might not be keen on reuniting with him. That's not to menton the fact that new Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri has helped to lift Hazard’s performances this season, especially in the goal-scoring stakes, where he is tied with Arsenal’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in first place.
Chelsea are riding high in second place in the Premier League, while a Ronaldo-less Real Madrid are languishing in 9thplace in La Liga. Antonio Conte could well steady the ship, but it’s clear that a rebuilding job will be needed over the summer.
Barcelona beat them 5-1 in Sunday’s El Classico and sit at the top of the table, but the Catalans haven’t been as a convincing as in previous seasons. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see them go for Hazard, even if they are somewhat overstocked in the diminutive midfielder department.
Nick Pope is the Site Director of Esquire, overseeing digital strategy for the brand.
