Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that he and Eden Hazard are no longer on speaking terms following the Belgian's recent shock comments.
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Hazard arrived at the Santiago Bernabeu as the club's most expensive ever player after Los Blancos paid Chelsea €115 million (R2.2 billion) for his services in 2019, but since joining the club, the former Belgium international has struggled for fitness and form.
Having played in only seven matches in 2022/23, the attacker recently admitted that he and Ancelotti barely speak as a result of being frozen out of the team, however, the Italian tactician is adamant that the only reason the 32-year-old does not play frequently is because of fierce competition in the team.
"The relationship is not cold," the four-time UEFA Champions League winning coach said, as per Goal.
"Look, you have to appreciate both things: Hazard has been honest, because I don't talk to him much, it's the truth.
"Talking is a question of character, you feel more comfortable with some people than with others.
"But the most important thing for me is that if we don't talk a lot and if he doesn't play a lot, he respects me, just like I respect him in the same exact way.
"Why doesn't he play? Because there is a lot of competition and in his position there is a player who is contributing a lot, which is Vinicius."
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Real will be looking to take further steps to retaining their European crown when they take on Liverpool at home in the Champions League on Wednesday night, a game Hazard will want to play a part in.
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