Belgium coach Martinez: Hazard has been in pain at Real Madrid
Belgium coach Roberto Martinez says this is likely to be the last World Cup for Real Madrid attacker Eden Hazard.
Martinez also offered his opinion on Hazard’s problems at Real these past three years.
He told AS: “It is normal, natural. No one can predict when their last tournament will be, but over 30 years of age you already begin to appreciate the tournaments that lie ahead. I don’t know if it will be the case with Eden. Some player has already declared that after the World Cup he is going to focus on his career at the club level.
“That is why you have to face Qatar as if it were the last tournament for everyone. It is the way to enjoy it to the fullest.
“Eden was in pain before and was not free. He had an injury that gave him inconvenience. Now he can change his rhythm and go out to the right and left, living one on one, which is his great virtue. That is where the big difference is. It is an advantage.
“The lack of minutes is always a problem, not only for Eden but for any unbalancing player based on what he does with the ball. Eden’s quality and his experience are also valued. His role, what he brings to the locker room. The same does not have a match or competition rhythm, but we are also looking for other values that he can bring us.
“Eden has to be given the opportunity to be himself, to develop in the areas of the pitch where he can make a difference. Allow him to compete with the joy that he always shows on the pitch. It has been very difficult to see that happiness in Madrid due to injuries, the good progress of the team and the appearance of other young players, but in the national team a player with so much commitment and work continues to be a fundamental piece.”
